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Mapping the Future of Community Health in the MENA Region
Community health systems are the backbone of equitable healthcare delivery, especially in regions where vulnerable populations, including children, face significant health challenges. Recognizing the critical need to strengthen these systems, the UNICEF Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Office, with support from hera, commissioned a mapping of community health resources, policies, and infrastructure across 12 countries in the MENA region. The resulting findings are set to guide policymakers, donors, and civil society organisations in making strategic, informed decisions that will shape the future of community health in the region.
Comprehensive evaluation of UNICEF Mexico’s 2020-2025 Country Programme Document
hera recently had the opportunity to lead an in-depth evaluation UNICEF Mexico’s 2020-2025 Country Programme Document (CPD) (Evaluación del Programa de País 2020-2025 de UNICEF en México). This comprehensive assessment covered the programme’s implementation from 2020 to mid-2024, focusing on four key programmatic areas, their execution at federal and subnational levels, and their financial aspects. The evaluation was guided by the criteria of relevance, effectiveness, coherence, and sustainability, ensuring a well-rounded analysis of the programme’s impact.
Unveiling the gendered impact of climate change in the Sahel: A groundbreaking study led by young women researchers
The Sahel region stands at the crossroads of climate change and gender inequality, where the escalating climate crisis disproportionately impacts adolescent girls and young women in their diversity. Recognizing the urgent need for a gendered analysis of these challenges, Plan International West and Central Africa Office commissioned hera to conduct a pioneering study on the gendered impact of climate change on adolescent girls’ rights in the Sahel. This research, conducted with an intersectional feminist approach over two phases, engaged 25 young women as co-researchers and 5 mentors, ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of adolescent girls and young women were at the heart of the study.
Annual Overview 2024
The hera 2024 Annual Overview is now available.
From strengthening health systems to advancing universal health coverage, 2024 was a year of progress and perseverance for hera. Our work spanned humanitarian response, gender equality, and policy reform—driving meaningful change in global health and development.
As hera continues to grow, we also evolve internally. Dive in to find out what we’ve been up to this year.
Bridging health system gaps: Key findings from Kenya’s Gavi HSS Evaluation
In recent years, Kenya has made significant strides in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. A key contributor to this progress has been the Gavi Health System Strengthening (HSS) support grant, which aimed to enhance immunization systems across the country. In 2024, hera, in collaboration with ICRH-Kenya, was commissioned by UNICEF to conduct a summative evaluation of the Gavi HSS programme to assess its relevance, effectiveness, and impact.
Mapping the future of global health governance: Insights from the Lusaka Agenda
The Lusaka Agenda of December 2023 marked a pivotal moment, outlining five critical shifts in health systems to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) and strengthen primary health care (PHC). In response to this agenda, hera undertook a project that mapped potential pathways for advancing these priorities, offering actionable insights for global health policy reform.
Enhancing universal health coverage: Piloting of innovative tools for the Evaluation of the P4H Network (P4H)
The P4H Network aims to expand healthcare access, reduce financial burdens, and protect against catastrophic health costs. To measure and communicate its impact, a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation framework and tools were developed, including the innovative Critical Milestone Timelines tool.
Evaluation of UNICEF’s Response to the L2 Cholera and Floods Emergency in Malawi and Mozambique
In 2023, Malawi and Mozambique faced a double blow of natural disasters and public health crises. The devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy, coupled with a severe cholera outbreak, left communities grappling with loss, destruction, and a lack of basic services. In response, UNICEF activated its Level 2 Corporate Emergency Activation Procedure (CEAP) to address the urgent needs of those affected. A recent evaluation by hera sheds light on the effectiveness and impact of UNICEF’s response to these concurrent emergencies, offering critical insights for future humanitarian efforts.
Impact analysis of COVID-19 on humanitarian health response
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing humanitarian crises, overwhelming healthcare systems and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. To understand the impact on humanitarian health responses, the WHO Global Health Cluster commissioned hera to conduct a comprehensive assessment.
Harnessing evidence for impact: hera’s evaluation of the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP)
hera was contracted to assess the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP).
Developing vulnerability assessment tools for sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings
With the goal of better integrating sexual and reproductive health and rights services (SRHR) into humanitarian responses, and improving access to services for vulnerable populations, hera led a consortium to develop a handbook for East and Southern Africa. The project aimed to create standardised tools for assessing vulnerability and its impact on SRHR service delivery.
The hera family is growing
We are thrilled to announce the addition of two exceptional professionals to the hera team.
Erick Baganizi is hera’s newest Associate Partner
Announcing Erick Baganizi as hera’s newest Associate Partner.
Giorgia Lattanzi joins as a hera partner
We are very happy to announce that Giorgia Lattanzi has joined hera as partner following our latest General Assembly of April 2024.
Game Changers: Fostering maternal, newborn, adolescent and sexual and reproductive health through social and behaviour change communication strategies in Rwanda
In 2023, hera was contracted to develop and test social and behaviour change communication tools and strategies to enhance community awareness and participation in MNASRH services in Rwanda.
Investing in Women: A cornerstone for global health progress
As we commemorate March 8th as International Women's Day, the UN theme "Invest in women: Accelerate progress" serves as a timely reminder of the indispensable role of gender equality in delivering prosperity and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.
Annual Report 2023
Our Annual Report for 2023 is now available.
This past year has been a journey of resilience, innovation, and impact in the fields of health, development, and human rights. Dive into our report to explore the stories behind our projects, the insights we've gained, and the progress we've made towards a healthier and more equitable world.
Assessing the impact of the Norway-India Partnership Initiative on maternal, newborn and child health
Read our latest post on the evaluation of the Norway-India Partnership Initiative (NIPI). Learn about the efforts of NIPI in providing support and fostering innovation in maternal, neonatal, and child health in India.
A roadmap for action: Launching the 2nd Milestone Scorecard for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
The 2nd Milestone Scorecard presents an important roadmap for future action. The insights provided in this data collection round show what’s working and provides crucial insights for shaping policies and health strategies, guiding us towards a future where sexual and reproductive health rights and services are accessible and upheld for all