Year One, Quarter One Progress Report: The Healthy Mother, Healthy Baby Activity

The Activity aims to support the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population (MOHSPP) in adapting existing systems to better support MNCH and nutrition interventions, strengthening local technical and organizational capacities, and closing the knowledge-to-action gap. The Activity consists of three organizations: Abt Associates, Dimagi, and Changeable, each with expertise in their field. The synergy of the three organizations operating as one HMHB team will enable achievement of the deliverables and ensure the improvement of health and nutrition among Tajik mothers and babies. The Activity team established weekly meetings with USAID to ensure effective and fluid technical and operational communication and coordination. HMHB's highest priority is the health and safety of its staff, counterparts, and beneficiaries. In light of COVID-19, the Activity continuously monitors evolving circumstances and adjusts plans as necessary, keeping USAID informed. Throughout Y1-Q1, HMHB made adjustments to activities based on the evolving situation, with staff working in the office and/or from home. The Activity also continues to monitor United States Government (USG) and Government of Tajikistan (GoT) policies, including from the regional, district, and local level authorities, with respect to movement restrictions and public meeting regulations. In October, HMHB opened a new set of accounts within Eskhata Bank to ensure financial compliance, confirmed existing registration at government authorities, and received supporting visa letters for Chief of Party (COP) arrival. On 13 October, HMHB had a virtual post-award meeting with USAID to review the contract and address any outstanding matters. During Y1-Q1, HMHB presented the Y1 Annual Work Plan, Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Plan (MELP), and Budget to USAID, which were all approved on schedule. HMHB focused on recruitment in Y1-Q1, filling 18 out of 45 open positions (40% staffed) in both the Dushanbe and Khatlon offices. The Activity team plans to recruit the remaining staff, including 12 District Coordinators and the M&E, Digital Health, Nutrition, water and sanitation hygiene (WASH), and Gender/Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Specialists, in the first half of Y1-Q2. HMHB expects to have a fully staffed team by February 2021. The Deputy Chief of Party and Technical Leader are leading the technical team to seamlessly transition interventions that have demonstrated high impact under THNA and other MNCH projects, discontinue or adjust unsustainable or ineffective actions, and introduce creative solutions to address gaps and advance progress. The Finance and Administration (F&A) Director and Human Resource Manager are leading in-country offices set up, registration, taxes, and VAT exemption process, finance systems, and human resources management. HMHB has developed a comprehensive COVID-19 Operations Guidelines document, which was shared with USAID. The Activity continues to monitor the evolving situation and adjust plans as necessary to ensure the health and safety of its staff, counterparts, and beneficiaries.