Bridging the Gap in Health Care Services in DRC with the ASSR Programme
The DFID Support to Malaria Control Programme and the Accès aux Soins de Santé Primaires (ASSP)program concluded in November 2018 and March 2019 respectively. In April 2019, DFID launched a new 18-month programme – ASSR. Designed to bridge the gap between the ASSP programme and a future long-term health initiative set to commence in September 2020, ASSR aims to continue improving the health of women, adolescents, and children.
The programme focused on prevention, health care delivery, and health systems strengthening, while also providing national-level technical support and bolstering Global Health Security in DRC. Operating in four provinces of DRC – Nord Ubangi, Kasai, Kasai Central, and Maniema – the ASSR programme targets an estimated population of 9 million. The anticipated maximum value of the ASSR programme over its 18-month duration is £35 million.
hera was contracted to support the initiative by providing independent third-party monitoring and operational research support with four key objectives:
To provide an ongoing, high-quality, and critical constructive review of the ASSR programme, ensuring that reporting against agreed results indicators meets high standards.
To collaborate with programme providers to address and improve identified areas of weakness.
To deliver a set number of high-quality operational research pieces and respond to emerging research needs swiftly.
To safeguard the wider ASSR programme activities and expenditure from potential reputational risks.
This vigilant monitoring and research approach will enhance the efficacy of the ASSR programme, paving the way for a healthier future for the citizens of DRC.