Capacity Building
Capacity building was one of three cross-cutting inputs into MEASURE Evaluation’s project framework. The project goals were to strengthen the collection and use of routine health data, improve country-level capacity to manage health information systems (HIS) and conduct rigorous evaluations, and to address health information gaps and challenges. High quality, reliable health data are crucial in order for countries to gauge how well health programs are performing and what impact they have on people’s lives. Capacity building serves this need by transferring technical skills and developing strong leaders and organizations for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of health programs.
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To learn how this work is continuing after the MEASURE Evaluation project, please visit Data for Impact, PMI Measure Malaria, and TB DIAH. |
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MEASURE Evaluation worked in HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, reproductive health and other key health issues. In those areas, we addressed capacity challenges and gaps in order to increase the technical skills of individuals, to foster stronger organizations and to strengthen the performance of health information systems. The goal was to enhance skills to generate relevant quality data, analyze data, and then use data to improve health program decision making and planning. In this way, we contributed to achieving and sustaining stronger health systems that make informed, effective decisions.
MEASURE Evaluation’s capacity-building approach employed a range of activities within the following six strategic approaches:
- Developing sustainable, global networks of M&E service providers engaged in peer-to-peer sharing and collaborative projects.
- Supervised practice and technical assistance through mentoring and collaboration with partners as peers.
- Issuing small grants to in-country organizations and universities to provide local researchers the opportunity to develop their research and evaluation skills.
- Conducting training (in-service and pre-service) with facilitation by local and regional experts working with outside experts, who increasingly serve in support and consultative roles. The goal was that, ultimately, expertise is available locally.
- Developing and facilitating use of materials such as manuals, guidelines, curricula and training materials, online courses, and other capacity-building tools.
- Broadening the understanding of the evidence base for effective capacity-building approaches. This was done through assessing the strength of HIS systems, the capacity for rigorous evaluations, the capacity for assessing and meeting workforce needs, and the skills to monitor progress and make mid-course corrections.
