USAID | Transparency in Health Engagement Activity Quarterly Report January - March 2018

The project envisions transparency in the health sector as a key feature of strong governance and a critical prerequisite for accountability. To address corruption issues in the health sector, the project launched activities to build the capacity of the High State Audit (HSA), the High Inspectorate for the Declaration and Audit of Assets and the Prevention of Conflicts of Interest (HIDAACI), and the Ombudsperson Office to generate evidence through performance audits, complaints investigation, and asset reporting. The project is organized around four components: Component 1 focuses on increasing the role and impact of performance audits in the health sector through HSA; Component 2 involves the development of a new electronic data system for improved outcomes through HIDAACI; Component 3 aims to improve the capacities of the Ombudsperson Office to identify, refer, and publish corrupt practices and opportunities for corruption in health services delivery; and Component 4 engages civil society and media organizations to enhance the anti-corruption work of the targeted institutions through Grants Under Contract. During the fourth quarter of Year 1 of the project, several major achievements were noted. The final EACIDS Vendor Proposal Evaluation Report and Selection Memo was completed, and a vendor contract was issued to ikubINFO. A capacity building event, Facilitating Community Meetings on Corruption in the Health Sector, was held on February 6-7, 2018. A Request for Quotations was launched on February 5, 2018, and a vendor was contracted on March 5, 2018, to develop a mobile application for the Ombudsperson Office. Sub-grantees also made significant contributions during this period. Together for Life developed materials and conducted three Patient's Rights information sessions for patients, their families, and Patient Associations. Partners Albania organized a roundtable of CSOs engaged in the health sector, with 19 organizations represented at the event. Representatives of the three target institutions gave presentations on their watchdog roles during the roundtable. Together for Life also developed the first video in a series titled 'Denounce Corruption,' which is expected to be released in April. BIRN Albania produced a series of "Did you know" articles in March regarding health sector-related issues and delivered a training on March 23-24 for 20 journalists on Strengthening of the Media Role in Health Sector Transparency. The project's activities are focused on building the capacity of key institutions and engaging civil society and media organizations to promote transparency and accountability in the health sector. The project's achievements during the fourth quarter of Year 1 demonstrate progress towards its objectives and highlight the importance of continued support for the project's activities.