Abstract #100  -  Supporting the decentralization of M&E systems for the national response to HIV/AIDS: Lessons learned from Zanzibar.
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Mr. Kimwaga ALI - ZANZIBAR AIDS COMMISSION
Additional Authors:
Aim: Monitoring & Evaluation of HIV/AIDS interventions become increasingly crucial as prevention, treatment and care programs scale-up from shehia (village) level programs to national programs that are implemented and managed at the district levels. The challenges to M&E are not only the data quality assurance, that results come together to give an accurate picture of the program at the national level, while maintaining accountability within the district.
Method / Issue: Zanzibar AIDS Commission (ZAC) was established by an Act of the House of Representative in 2002. Since its establishment, ZAC has been the strategic leader in the efficient coordination and facilitation of the response on HIV/AIDS, mobilization and management of resource, monitoring and evaluation, as well as capacity building of the various stakeholders working on HIV/AIDS in Zanzibar.
Results / Comments: In implementing the ZNSP, different decentralized coordination bodies have been created to facilitate the implementation of activities and reporting. These bodies include the DHAPs, DACCOMs, SHACCOM’s, DHMT’s and METTHAZ. ZAC has worked with these bodies to provide training, guidance and supervision for M&E activities. The launching of the ZNSP enabled the government in 2006/2007 to consolidate its HIV responses in the MDAs by having the TACs and Ministerial HIV Focal Persons in all the public sector ministries. The TAC members and the HIV Focal Persons were provided with capacity building training to enhance their capabilities in executing their roles. As the outcome, MDAs are now capacitated in developing own HIV work plans. The work plans were included the MDAs’ Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) budgets for 2005/06; 2006/07 and 2007/08. Besides, the government of Zanzibar in 2006 also approved the national HIV policy. The policy is very comprehensive and addresses every aspect of the HIV response including the MARPs. A decentralized system requires strong leadership from the central level, including standardization of approaches and indicators, and continued supervision. Ultimately, decentralization of M&E functions promotes ownership of the process and encourages use of the data at all levels.
Discussion: Decentralizing M&E should be rolled out in stages. Technical capacity at the decentralized level is often limited and needs reinforcement. Data quality needs to be assessed regularly, training and supervision provided to put the system on the right track. Decentralization increases interest and participation in M&E activities.
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