Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is sometimes regarded as a donor-driven requirement. However, beyond accountability to donors, there are many good reasons for undertaking M&E. Easily accessible M&E data can provide a solid basis for project reviews and can be useful in identifying problems. M&E data can also be used to highlight potential solutions to problems and justify changes to work plans and budgets. Tracking progress using M&E data can also assist in identifying areas for technical support or capacity building. Recognizing the value of M&E in SRHR programs, IPPF SARO has conducted a Regional Workshop on Monitoring & Evaluation and Service Statistics from 12 – 15 March, 2007 at Katmandu in Nepal. (For a report of the workshop contact access@ippfsar.org )

Research Summary: British Medical Journal has published a paper titled ‘Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Strategies to Combat HIV/AIDS in Developing Countries’. Please visit the site: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7530/1431

The paper assesses the effectiveness and costs of a variety of interventions for preventing and treating HIV/AIDS. The authors provide data on the cost effectiveness of communication-centered strategies that were implemented in two regions with high HIV/AIDS burdens namely, sub-Saharan Africa, and in South East Asia. The HIV/AIDS interventions considered in this analysis include:

• Mass media - television and radio episodes and inserts in key newspapers.
• Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) - performed in primary care clinics for anyone requesting the services.
• Peer education and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for sex workers - training of selected sex workers by social workers to undertake peer education, as well as provision of condoms and referrals for testing and possible treatment of STIs.
• School-based education - sessions provided during regular lessons to all students.
• Treatment of STIs - provided in primary care facilities to anyone who requests it.
• Prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) - information provided to women seeking antenatal care on benefits and risks of nevirapine for prophylaxis; pre-test counseling offered; single dose provided to women who accept, and single dose provided to child if delivered in a healthcare facility.
• Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) - monthly visits to healthcare providers, as well as more intensive monitoring.

The authors conclude that HIV transmission could be reduced most efficiently through a combination of the following strategies: mass media campaigns, interventions for sex workers and treatment of STIs where resources are most scarce. However, PMTCT, VCT, and school-based education would yield further health gains at higher budget levels and would be regarded as cost effective or highly cost effective based on standard international benchmarks. HAART is at least as cost effective in improving population health as some of these interventions.

Resources: The Programme Manager’s Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Toolkit (available at: http://www.unfpa.org/monitoring/toolkit.htm, published by UNFPA provides guidance and options for improving planning, monitoring and evaluation activities in the context of results based programme management.

News: On International Women’s Day 2007, Portugal's parliament has voted to legalize ‘abortion on demand’, after a referendum failed to settle the issue in this mainly Catholic country. Events: RFSU (Swedish Association for Sexuality Education) and MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child are organizing an Advanced International Training Program on Young People’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in New Delhi from 15 to 30 September 2007. This programme aims at enhancing the capacities of individuals and institutions to work and network effectively, to address, act and advocate for young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. Closing date for application is April 15, 2007. For details visit: http://www.yrshr.org/icourse/

Please send your feedback/information etc. to access@ippfsar.org

IPPF SARO Team