Table 4 Responses from survey asking District M&E Officers to list the their achievements ( n = 49)

Data management

Modifying or developing reporting tools, records, and file management at facilities or districts, electronic data storage and back-up, streamlining and coordinating data flow

35

• “[I] also came up with a reporting format for CBOs [community-based organizations], something which was not there before my arrival”

• “When I arrived in the district there were no data for the past 4 years. I was forced to go to MOH and ask for the data for the previous years”

• “I managed to improve the problem of stationery shortage by making sure I supply facilities with reporting tools in time”

• “[I am] responsible for all data for programs”

Data quality

Responses related to data timelines, accuracy, as well as completeness, and general improvement in data quality

31

• “All facilities are reporting and almost all are reporting on time”

• “We used to have less than 50% facilities reporting and currently more than 90% of facilities are reporting on weekly notifiable diseases”

• “There had been double reporting for [District X] and [District Y] but together with M&E Officers at [District Y] we managed to solve the problem”

• “I managed to follow-up the facilities and explained the variables to the Officers; since then their reports have been correctly filled, almost every time”

• “[We] conducted data audits…which helped the staff at facility level to better understand the variables in the forms and accuracy has improved”

Data use

Conducting analysis, presenting data at meetings, and using data for evidence-based planning

29

• “[I was] able to assist the Matron and PHS [Public Health Specialist] in analyzing some statistics and identify trends such as patient flow in the district, diarrhea cases, and malaria cases; and presented them to management in graphical form”

• “[I ] came up with summaries of monthly reports for last year which would make it easy for comparison throughout quarters and even facility to facility”

• “[I am] assessing program implementation to ensure whether the intended goals are achieved”

• “Before my arrival, most of the activities were not evidence-based; they were not addressing any need… my involvement in EBP [evidence-based planning] made a significant change”

Capacity building

Conducting workshops and sensitization session related to M&E, provision of one-on-one mentoring, feedback, and support visit for health workers

26

• “Together with PMTCT coordinator, [I] conducted a workshop on reporting tools and variables”

• “[I] managed to successfully conduct a workshop for District Health Officers at senior management to introduce the concept of M&E. It was highly appreciated by all”

• “[I] managed to organize a workshop for CBOs [community based organizations] and taught them how they can monitor and evaluate their activities. This has made a great change”

• “Reporting Officers have started to understand why reporting and have a sense of ownership on their reports”

Other activities

Program implementation, newsletter development

21

• “Participating in the development of the condom distribution strategy booklet for my district”

• “Production of the first ever district newsletter”

Reporting

Paper-based and electronic reporting to the national level

10

• “Documenting the activities held per quarter in the district”

• “Reporting on time to MLG {the Ministry of Local Government] every quarter”

Operations research

Activities beyond routine monitoring and evaluation to inform program implementation

5

• “Conducting a Pre–World AIDS day mini-survey on the community awareness of National Program and other interventions in regard to HIV AIDS in the district”

• “[I was] part of the team that conducted the survey/study on the community awareness of the HIV/AIDS programs and interventions”

• “I designed and administered a needs assessment survey in [District X] and surrounding areas which also helped in the EBP [evidence based planning] in terms of providing qualitative information/data”