USAID'S INTEGRATED HEALTH SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING AND SERVICE DELIVERY ACTIVITY

The activity began on September 28, 2017, and is set to conclude on September 27, 2025. The primary implementing partner is JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. The activity focuses on strengthening health systems, improving disease surveillance, and enhancing service delivery. Key interventions include the establishment of International Health Regulations (IHR) secretariats at the federal and provincial levels, as well as the creation of a Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases at the Sindh Infectious Disease Hospital (SIDH) in Karachi. This center will serve as a hub for trainings on infectious disease management. In the October-December 2023 quarter, significant progress was made in improving GHS and TB control in Pakistan. The establishment of IHR secretariats marked a major milestone, with one secretariat at the federal level and two at the provincial level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh. The Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases at SIDH was also established, providing a platform for training on infectious disease management. The activity has also made notable progress in TB control, particularly in Sindh Province. The province has seen significant improvements in TB case detection, treatment, and cure rates. The activity has also implemented various interventions to improve TB service delivery, including the establishment of TB diagnostic centers and the provision of TB treatment services. In terms of disease surveillance, the activity has strengthened the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System (IDSRS) in both KP and Sindh. The IDSRS is a critical component of Pakistan's disease surveillance system, enabling the early detection and response to public health emergencies. The activity has also enhanced the capacity of health workers to detect and report diseases, improving the overall effectiveness of the IDSRS. The activity has also made significant progress in improving health information systems, including the development of a "One Health" dashboard under the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) in Pakistan. This dashboard provides real-time data on disease surveillance, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions on public health interventions. In addition to these achievements, the activity has also made notable progress in improving health service delivery, particularly in rural areas. The activity has implemented various interventions to improve access to healthcare services, including the establishment of basic health units (BHUs) and the provision of training to health workers on service delivery. Overall, the Integrated Health Systems Strengthening and Service Delivery Activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, has made significant progress in improving GHS and TB control, as well as strengthening health systems and improving service delivery. The activity's achievements have the potential to improve the health outcomes of millions of people in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas.