Year 3 (FY 4) Quarter 1 Report: Public Sector Systems Strengthening Plus (PS3+) Activity

The activity is led by Abt Associates and implemented in partnership with IMA World Health, Local Government Training Institute, Management Sciences for Health, Tanzania Mentors for Action, and University of Dar es Salaam. The activity covers the period between July 31, 2020, to July 30, 2025. Key achievements in the first quarter of Year 3 (FY 4) include the strengthening of system interoperability and integrated monitoring and evaluation systems. The System Interoperability and Integrated M&E System (iMES) has been implemented, enabling data exchange across various systems, including PlanRep, FFARS, MUSE, HCMIS, and MSD-Epicor. This has improved the efficiency of data collection and use. The activity has also made significant progress in improving evidence-based, inclusive planning and management at local levels. The PlanRep system has been strengthened and extended to Zanzibar, enabling local governments to plan and manage public services more effectively. The GOTHOMIS Version 4 system has been implemented in mainland Tanzania, supporting health facilities in service delivery management. Electronic Medical Records have been introduced in Zanzibar, and the Health Facility Registry (HFR) has been implemented in Zanzibar. In addition, the activity has made progress in strengthening local governance to promote citizen engagement and social accountability. Citizen engagement governance structures have been strengthened, and citizens have been informed about public services. Local governments, villages, and facilities have been enabled to share information with citizens, promoting transparency and accountability. The activity has also made progress in increasing efficiency in the collection and use of financial resources. The Health Development Fund (DFF) has been enhanced, and the Single National Health Insurance (SNHI) has been introduced. Payment reform has been introduced in other sectors, and public financial management has been strengthened at local government, facility, and village levels. The activity has also made progress in communications, monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Contractual deliverables have been met, and project interventions have been documented through videos, photos, social media content, and feature articles. The PS3+ MEL Plan has been revised, and operation research has been conducted to inform program decisions. The activity has also made progress in operational and management activities. Staff updates have been provided, and offices have been managed effectively. Coordination with USAID, the Government of Tanzania, and development partners has been strengthened, and challenges have been addressed through effective management. The activity has implemented various systems to support public sector systems strengthening, including PlanRep, GOTHOMIS Version 4, and the Health Facility Registry (HFR). These systems have improved the efficiency of data collection and use, enabling local governments to plan and manage public services more effectively. The activity has implemented various strategies to strengthen public sector systems, including the development of institutionalization and transition strategies for PS3+ interventions to the Government of Tanzania. The activity has also collaborated with the United States Government and development partners to support public sector systems strengthening. The activity has faced various challenges, including staff turnover and coordination with stakeholders. However, effective management has addressed these challenges, and the activity has continued to make progress in supporting public sector systems strengthening in Tanzania.