Year 4: Semi Annual Project Progress Report for Community Rising (CR) Project

The project is implemented by the Luapula Foundation (LF), a local non-governmental organization, in partnership with the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) and other stakeholders. The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The CR project has entered its fourth year, with a focus on strengthening the existing district and sub-district structures to improve OVC services. The project targets 14 districts in five provinces, including Southern, Copper-belt, Luapula, Central, and Lusaka. The project has phased out in some districts, including Choma, Kitwe, Namwala, and Ndola, while others, such as Mazabuka, are still in the implementation stage due to conflict in programming. The project has scaled up to four new districts, including Mkushi and Kapiri in Central Province, and Chongwe and Kafue in Lusaka Province, which are in the intermediate phase. The CR project has now entered all 14 targeted districts, although at different implementation levels. The project's objectives include strengthening OVC service delivery systems, improving efficiency, and enhancing linkages and referrals. The project has made significant progress in achieving its objectives, including strengthening OVC community structures, improving referrals and linkages, and collaborating with other stakeholders. The project has also strengthened the organizational capacity of LF to ensure compliance with USAID financial, administrative, and management procedures. The CR project has faced several challenges, including conflict in programming, equipment costs, and limited market access. However, the project has responded to these challenges by adapting its implementation strategies and seeking support from other stakeholders. The project's key upcoming events include the completion of the phase-out stage in the fourth quarter of FY17, which will mark the end of the project's implementation in some districts. The project will also continue to collaborate with other stakeholders, including Zambia Rising and Data Rising, to enhance its impact and sustainability.