Since 2007, the Last Ten Kilometers Project (L10K), implemented by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) with funding from the Bill & Melina Gates Foundation, has worked with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and regional health bureaus (RHBs) in the regions of Amhara; Oromia; Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region; and Tigray to build their capacity to support woreda governments and health facilities to ensure equitable and quality reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) services.
L10K’s Theory of Change (TOC) postulates that if RHBs/Zonal Health Departments (ZHDs) have improved capacity to support woredas to deliver higher quality and more equitable health services, then health facility performance will improve and woredas will meet Health Sector Transformation Plan (HSTP) targets. The TOC also illustrates how multiple sectors impact the pathways to quality, equitable health services. L10K used the TOC to inform and facilitate a human-centered design (HCD)1 process with RHBs and ZHDs to identify and develop intersectoral solutions to equity barriers, with a focus on low performing areas, or “equity zones.” This brief summarizes the process and lessons learned from fostering intersectoral collaboration for better reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) outcomes.
We strive to build lasting relationships to produce better health outcomes for all.
