Dear IHD Colleagues,

October greetings! Below is our monthly IHD update outlining recent happenings in the division. As always, we look forward to receiving your feedback as we continue to improve internal communications.

Tanzania Wajibika Project to Showcase Success

In November, the Tanzania AIDSTAR2 (Wajibika – Swahili for “transparency”) project will highlight four years (2009–2013) of work supporting the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in preparing Local Government Authorities (LGAs) for increased financial accountability. Over the life of the project, Wajibika worked to implement bottom-up planning, increase adherence to budgets and financial transparency, and establish high quality and professional internal audit, procurement, and accounting procedures. These efforts contributed to an average of 85% clean audit reports in target LGAs in FY2011-2012. Some 200 community members including representatives from USAID, the MOHSW, and development partners are expected at the end-of-project event. Contacts: Peter Kilima, COP at pkilima@wajibika.org, or melinda_ojermark@abtassoc.com, rebecca_patsika@abtassoc.com

PATHS2 Nigeria Receives Positive Feedback from Evaluators

Preliminary findings by a team of independent reviewers state that PATHS2  is achieving positive results in implementing its service delivery strategy, as indicated by the impressive growth of antenatal care visits and births at public health facilities in the states served by the project. The reviewers commended the project on several innovative models that have expanded access to health services for the poor, including a Drug Revolving Fund that has made essential drugs available at affordable prices in 1,860 facilities. The team urged PATHS2 to scale up efforts to achieve “breakthrough” service delivery coverage, and to work with counterparts to develop strategies for achieving long-term sustainability of interventions. PATHS2 is funded by DFID and finalizes work in July 2014. Contact: Mike Egboh, COP at m.egboh@paths2.org or robert_bonardi@abtassoc.com

Eight Years of Health System Strengthening Support in Azerbaijan

September 26, 2013 marked the end of the USAID-funded Azerbaijan Strengthening Health Systems through Integrated Programs (AZ SHIP) project and eight years of Abt support to health reform in Azerbaijan. The project leaves behind strengthened institutions throughout the health system, improved health policies, strategies, and plans, a growing national health management information system, institutionalized quality improvement approaches, and increased national and community capacity to conduct health education activities. Although the conclusion of AZ SHIP marks the end of USAID funding for health in Azerbaijan and many challenges remain, the country is well positioned to further strengthen the health system for improved health outcomes. Contact: Dasha_Migunov@abtassoc.com

SHOPS Challenge Fund Recognizes Health Care Entrepreneurs in Kenya and Ethiopia

The HANSHEP Health Enterprise Fund, supported by USAID and DFID and managed by the SHOPS project, announced awardees selected to receive grants for business models that aim to improve health care for the poor in Ethiopia and Kenya.  Thirteen enterprises were selected to receive grant funding awards ranging from $100,000 to $200,000. Of the 150 applicants, 50 finalists attended a knowledge-sharing event in Nairobi. See video on awardees.

HFG Costs Angola’s National Plan for Health Development

The Health Finance and Governance Project completed the costing of Angola's National Plan for Health Development 2012–2015 (PNDS) using the One Health Tool model.  As part of the national health system reform, PNDS is a strategic and operational document used to support the implementation of the long-term development strategy, “Angola 2025,” as well as Angola’s national health policy. Contacts:  catherine_connor@abtassoc.com, naz_todini@abtassoc.com.

Abt Employee Advisory Council (EAC) Happenings

• Please participate in the annual EAC survey due October 22, which provides feedback to senior management. Results will be presented to staff in early 2014. Interested in last year’s survey results? Find them on the EAC Staff Survey page of AGI. 
• Want to be an EAC Rep? Nominations for Bethesda and Africa Representatives open in October. Check out the Elections page for more information.

October and Upcoming Events

Oct 23 – Emerging Global HIV Issues, Dr. Gregory Pappas (john_palen@abtassoc.com)

Oct 30 – IHD Town Hall

Nov 5 – Division Quarterly Review for Abt Management Advisory Group (MAG)

Nov 21 – Global IHD Staff Meeting **SAVE THE DATE!**