Vietnam Evaluation, Monitoring, and Survey Services Semi-Annual Report (September 1, 2014 – March 31, 2015)

The project's primary purpose is to improve the quality and utilization of performance data and analysis to drive USAID/Vietnam program management and decision-making responsibilities. VEMSS's first-year work plan focuses on establishing the project's infrastructure and priorities, reviewing the Mission's current Performance Management Plan (PMP) and results reporting process, supporting the results reporting of implementing partners (IPs), and designing and conducting evaluations, surveys, and indexes. These activities aim to improve the range and quality of program performance information available to USAID, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of USAID and its partners. A performance evaluation of the Sustainable Management of the HIV/AIDS Response and Transition to Technical Assistance (SMART TA) activity was conducted by VEMSS. Key lessons learned from the evaluation include the importance of integrating interventions and linking to sustainability, having a clear, commonly understood definition of success, and measuring capacity-building. Recommendations include institutionalizing technical assistance, integrating care and treatment DSDs into the curative division of the Ministry of Health, and preparing a provincial-level transition roadmap. The evaluation also highlighted the need for SMART TA to directly engage with the Government of Vietnam (GVN) on transition issues, provide its perspective more directly into the policy dialogue, and organize a conference to draw on lessons learned from the ongoing transition process. Additionally, SMART TA should directly survey assistance recipients on their knowledge retention and use of specific skills learned to better assess capacity-building activities' success, impact, and cost-effectiveness. VEMSS also conducted a performance evaluation of the primary disabilities activities, including the Inclusion of Vietnamese with Disabilities (IVWD) and the Persons with Disabilities Support Program (PDSP). Key lessons learned from the evaluation include the importance of implementing laws and policy frameworks to sustain progress in supporting people with disabilities. Recommendations include better implementing the Vietnam Disability Law and the international policy framework, and providing direct and sustained support of the National and Provincial Action Plans (NAP and PAP) on disabilities. The evaluation of SMART TA and the primary disabilities activities highlights the importance of effective transition planning, communication, and capacity-building in achieving sustainable development outcomes. VEMSS's work in supporting USAID/Vietnam's Program Office to improve performance monitoring and evaluation will contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of USAID and its partners in Vietnam.