| Overview : Over the last couple of years UNDP provided support the Ministry of Health (MoH) to strengthen capacities of ten Provincial Offices with support from GFTAM and seven District Medical Health Offices (DMOs) with support from GAVI to implement programs to improve HIV and immunization services to populations living in remote areas. The seven districts are Lunga, Samfya, Mwense, Milenge, Mpika, Chinsali and Luwingu. A striking feature for all the seven districts is that they are remote and have lower immunization rates than their counterparts. UNDP under this project provided training and mentorship to ensure timely (donor) reporting and appropriate financial, risk and asset management. This approach is based on the premises that mentorship can be more effective than the usual traditional supportive visits. The mentorship approach endeavors to cement ownership of the process where the Provincial and District Health Offices as “duty bearers” take a pro-active lead in resolving their own challenges and areas that need improvement. The role of the mentor is thus confined to facilitating this process of learning and self-actualisation. The mentor and the mentee mutually agree on areas needing interventions, agree on courses of action and time frame for implementation. The mentor then reviews progress made towards addressing the milestones as agreed during earlier mentorship visits. |
