Global Presence

In order to strengthen the data collection and information analysis for all health related projects financed by USAID/Bolivia, as well as the Mission's internal capacity to analyze and use information in making program decisions, MSH was awarded a Task Order in February 2000. The goal of MSH's work is to evaluate and improve the quality of information collection and analysis for all USAID-funded health projects/agencies. This assistance supports both USAID and the projects it funds in monitoring their strategic objectives. The primary objectives are to:

• Increase the projects' ability to accurately collect, process, report, and utilize data for improved planning and management, thus improving health services
   
• Assess the quality of data reported to the Ministry of Health's National Health Information System (SNIS) to enhance the use of information in the decision making process
   
• Apply the results in the redesign of the MOH information system, and take a leading role in the implementation of the new system
   
• Enhance USAID/ Bolivia's capacity to monitor and evaluate the work of its projects in order to improve planning, reporting, and ultimately achieve better results
   
• Assist in the planning of appropriate management of medical waste for USAID/Bolivia projects

Some of the illustrative activities carried out to achieve these objectives are the development of training manuals and curricula for the MOH's information system, conducting field visits to USAID-funded projects to evaluate their data collection and provide on-the-job training for staff in data collection and analysis, and assisting USAID in presentation of R4 indicator data.

The MSH Bolivia team consists of seven staff carrying out these objectives. They work very closely with the Health Strategic Objectives Team of USAID/ Bolivia and the Ministry of Health, as well as numerous national and international NGOs funded by USAID.