A common evaluation framework for the African Health Initiative

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Health Systems Strengthening
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• The African Health Initiative involves diverse partnerships in Ghana, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia.
• The initiative aims to improve population health by strengthening health systems and evaluating results.
• A key goal is to generate cross-site learning applicable to participating countries and the wider region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the components of a common evaluation framework developed for the African Health Initiative.
• To outline the conceptual model, core metrics, and reporting guidelines for partnership activities.
• To detail data management, quality assessment, and cross-site analysis systems.

Main Methods:

• Development of a common evaluation framework with a conceptual model and core metrics.
• Establishment of standard guidelines for reporting on partnership implementation and contextual factors.
• Implementation of systems for data management, quality assurance, and cross-site analysis.

Main Results:

• The conceptual model identifies key points in the causal chain from health system strengthening to health impact.
• The framework incorporates contextual factors and implementation strength as determinants of results.
• Equity is explicitly included as a component of both outcomes and impact.

Conclusions:

• The evaluation framework advances understanding by including contextual factors, implementation strength, and equity.
• Challenges include prospective documentation of implementation and contextual factors.
• Methodological issues involve data aggregation and evaluating complex, evolving interventions.