Funded by: CDC (CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION) | Duration: December 01, 2022 – September 29, 2027
Background
The Sustainable Programs for HIV Epidemic Control and Equitable Service Delivery (SPEED) project is a five-year initiative aimed at achieving sustainable HIV epidemic control in Nigeria. The project is being implemented in three states: Delta, Osun, and Ekiti. SPEED focuses on delivering comprehensive and sustainable HIV/AIDS clinical and community services to combat the HIV epidemic in subnational units. Under the leadership of Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), an indigenous Nigerian organization, the project brings together a consortium of partners, including FHI 360, to support the target states in their efforts to control HIV and improve service delivery.
FHI 360 is a key technical partner in the SPEED consortium, providing technical assistance (TA) in the areas of laboratory services and strategic information to achieve HIV epidemic control in the targeted states. FHI 360’s period of performance spans five years, aligning with the duration of the SPEED project.
FHI 360 is a key technical partner in the SPEED consortium, providing technical assistance (TA) in the areas of laboratory services and strategic information to achieve HIV epidemic control in the targeted states. FHI 360’s period of performance spans five years, aligning with the duration of the SPEED project.
Laboratory services: technical assistance and capacity building for Sustainable Program for HIV Epidemic Control and Equitable Service Delivery (SPEED) Project
FHI 360’s technical assistance is pivotal in enhancing the Quality Assurance and Quality Control program in the laboratory unit of the SPEED Project. Through the implementation of External Quality Assurance and Proficiency Testing schemes, FHI 360 ensures the accuracy and reliability of HIV test results.
Additionally, FHI 360 provides essential training to laboratory staff and testers, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain accurate and reliable test results. As part of the Routine Testing and Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) program, FHI 360 conducts baseline assessments of testing sites using the SPIRT checklist, followed by competency assessments and targeted retraining of testers to improve testing quality across all supported points.
These efforts significantly contribute to the overall improvement of HIV testing services and support the project’s goal of achieving sustainable HIV epidemic control in Delta, Osun, and Ekiti States.
The laboratory unit also offers TA in developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for HIV procedures and related laboratory processes to maintain consistency and accuracy in testing, along with implementing Quality Management Systems (QMS) in supported ART facilities.
Moreover, FHI provides support to enhance the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) platform, streamlining data management, improving result reporting, and facilitating data analysis for continuous quality monitoring and evaluation purposes. Ensuring a stable supply of laboratory reagents, equipment, and consumables is also part of the support to prevent stockouts and disruptions.
Additionally, FHI 360 provides essential training to laboratory staff and testers, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain accurate and reliable test results. As part of the Routine Testing and Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) program, FHI 360 conducts baseline assessments of testing sites using the SPIRT checklist, followed by competency assessments and targeted retraining of testers to improve testing quality across all supported points.
These efforts significantly contribute to the overall improvement of HIV testing services and support the project’s goal of achieving sustainable HIV epidemic control in Delta, Osun, and Ekiti States.
The laboratory unit also offers TA in developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for HIV procedures and related laboratory processes to maintain consistency and accuracy in testing, along with implementing Quality Management Systems (QMS) in supported ART facilities.
Moreover, FHI provides support to enhance the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) platform, streamlining data management, improving result reporting, and facilitating data analysis for continuous quality monitoring and evaluation purposes. Ensuring a stable supply of laboratory reagents, equipment, and consumables is also part of the support to prevent stockouts and disruptions.
Strategic Information: Technical assistance and capacity building for the Sustainable Program for HIV Epidemic Control and Equitable Service Delivery (SPEED) Project
i. Total Quality, Leadership and Accountability (TQLA)
FHI 360 deploys innovative Total Quality Leadership and Accountability (TQLA) approaches to prioritize local solutions for addressing challenges and enhancing performance outcomes across Delta, Ekiti, and Osun States, Nigeria. Our efforts encompass various strategies, including coordinating regular Situation Room Meetings (SRMs), offering targeted feedback, and providing evidence-based technical assistance to assigned health facilities and One Stop Shops. As part of our technical assistance, we focus on effectively managing the components of monitoring and evaluation systems, particularly the DHIS 2.0 daily and monthly instances for the SPEED project. Additionally, we extend our support by guiding using donor reporting platforms such as DATIM and Automated Partners’ Progress Report (APPR), along with the GoN’s National Data Repository (NDR).
FHI 360 plays a significant role in facilitating performance reviews, identifying gaps, and guiding interventions to address them. We adopt a comprehensive approach that involves providing mentorship to both project and facility staff, ensuring they are fully accountable for their respective roles and responsibilities. Additionally, we focus on the development of effective remedial action plans, which are closely monitored to ensure successful implementation and desired outcomes at a lower cost. As a result of these efforts, we have witnessed improved data quality and performance, with many indicators achieving over 90% of their targets by the end of Q3 FY 23 (June 2023). Our commitment to fostering local solutions and enhancing performance outcomes remains unwavering as we continue to work towards positive healthcare transformation in all the 95 SPEED project-supported sites.
ii. Knowledge Management and Learning Applications
The strides made in KM within the SPEED project are poised to drive project success, supporting evidence-based interventions, and ultimately contributing to the improvement of health services and outcomes in Nigeria. FHI is providing Technical Assistance in Knowledge Management to the project through the leadership of a Senior Technical Advisor. The STA is responsible for developing and implementing knowledge management strategies that align with project goals, promoting a culture of collaboration and evidence-based decision-making. This includes driving the capture, organization, sharing, and dissemination of knowledge assets, such as best practices, lessons learned, research findings, and technical expertise. The Technical Assistance also involves establishing a learning agenda to prioritize knowledge sharing and learning, building staff capacity in KM principles and techniques through training programs, and fostering partnerships for knowledge exchange. FHI actively monitors and evaluates the impact and effectiveness of KM initiatives, staying updated on emerging trends, and providing technical expertise and thought leadership. Additionally, FHI 360 collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, representing the project in relevant KM networks and events. By facilitating knowledge exchange and continuous improvement, the TA contributes to the project’s success in achieving its objectives.
iii. Data Base Management
As part of our Technical Assistance efforts, FHI actively supports data management, analysis, and quality management initiatives undertaken by the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) staff at both country and state offices. FHI provides essential guidance in the development and adaptation of M&E tools, ensuring their effective and efficient use in day-to-day operations. Collaboration with other major stakeholders is a priority as we work closely together to implement and enhance the National M&E effort in Nigeria. Our role involves taking the lead in providing technical inputs to improve and facilitate the delivery of sound technical assistance in M&E. This includes offering our expertise and support to the Government of Nigeria (GON) and the United States Government (USG) whenever requested. By fostering strong partnerships and offering technical guidance, we contribute to the success of M&E activities, promoting evidence-based decision-making and the overall improvement of program outcomes.
FHI 360 deploys innovative Total Quality Leadership and Accountability (TQLA) approaches to prioritize local solutions for addressing challenges and enhancing performance outcomes across Delta, Ekiti, and Osun States, Nigeria. Our efforts encompass various strategies, including coordinating regular Situation Room Meetings (SRMs), offering targeted feedback, and providing evidence-based technical assistance to assigned health facilities and One Stop Shops. As part of our technical assistance, we focus on effectively managing the components of monitoring and evaluation systems, particularly the DHIS 2.0 daily and monthly instances for the SPEED project. Additionally, we extend our support by guiding using donor reporting platforms such as DATIM and Automated Partners’ Progress Report (APPR), along with the GoN’s National Data Repository (NDR).
FHI 360 plays a significant role in facilitating performance reviews, identifying gaps, and guiding interventions to address them. We adopt a comprehensive approach that involves providing mentorship to both project and facility staff, ensuring they are fully accountable for their respective roles and responsibilities. Additionally, we focus on the development of effective remedial action plans, which are closely monitored to ensure successful implementation and desired outcomes at a lower cost. As a result of these efforts, we have witnessed improved data quality and performance, with many indicators achieving over 90% of their targets by the end of Q3 FY 23 (June 2023). Our commitment to fostering local solutions and enhancing performance outcomes remains unwavering as we continue to work towards positive healthcare transformation in all the 95 SPEED project-supported sites.
ii. Knowledge Management and Learning Applications
The strides made in KM within the SPEED project are poised to drive project success, supporting evidence-based interventions, and ultimately contributing to the improvement of health services and outcomes in Nigeria. FHI is providing Technical Assistance in Knowledge Management to the project through the leadership of a Senior Technical Advisor. The STA is responsible for developing and implementing knowledge management strategies that align with project goals, promoting a culture of collaboration and evidence-based decision-making. This includes driving the capture, organization, sharing, and dissemination of knowledge assets, such as best practices, lessons learned, research findings, and technical expertise. The Technical Assistance also involves establishing a learning agenda to prioritize knowledge sharing and learning, building staff capacity in KM principles and techniques through training programs, and fostering partnerships for knowledge exchange. FHI actively monitors and evaluates the impact and effectiveness of KM initiatives, staying updated on emerging trends, and providing technical expertise and thought leadership. Additionally, FHI 360 collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, representing the project in relevant KM networks and events. By facilitating knowledge exchange and continuous improvement, the TA contributes to the project’s success in achieving its objectives.
iii. Data Base Management
As part of our Technical Assistance efforts, FHI actively supports data management, analysis, and quality management initiatives undertaken by the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) staff at both country and state offices. FHI provides essential guidance in the development and adaptation of M&E tools, ensuring their effective and efficient use in day-to-day operations. Collaboration with other major stakeholders is a priority as we work closely together to implement and enhance the National M&E effort in Nigeria. Our role involves taking the lead in providing technical inputs to improve and facilitate the delivery of sound technical assistance in M&E. This includes offering our expertise and support to the Government of Nigeria (GON) and the United States Government (USG) whenever requested. By fostering strong partnerships and offering technical guidance, we contribute to the success of M&E activities, promoting evidence-based decision-making and the overall improvement of program outcomes.