Hello, AEA365 community! Liz DiLuzio here, Lead Curator of the blog. This week is Individuals Week, which means we take a break from our themed weeks and spotlight the Hot Tips, Cool Tricks, Rad Resources and Lessons Learned from any evaluator interested in sharing. Would you like to contribute to future individuals weeks? Email me at AEA365@eval.org with an idea or a draft and we will make it happen.
Hello learned readers and evaluation enthusiasts, a warm welcome to my blog post for AEA conference. Let me introduce myself. I am Dr Saeed Ahmad from Pakistan. I am public health specialist with focus on monitoring and evaluation on public health projects. My area of work revolves around US led Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) implementation in Pakistan for better health for all. This blog post is related to my monitoring and evaluation of GHSA in militancy hit areas of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan. In the realm of global health security, few regions pose as significant challenges as the militancy-hit areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. These areas are not only afflicted by violence and conflict but also face unique socio-cultural and religious barriers that affect public health interventions. As a dedicated Health Emergency Management Consultant with extensive experience in public health, disease surveillance, and capacity building, I embarked on a groundbreaking project to evaluate US-CDC led Global Health Security indicators and polio programs in these troubled territories. In this blog, we will delve into the innovative approach employed, the invaluable lessons learned, and the implications of this work for policy makers, stakeholders, and similar conflict-affected regions around the world.
The Novel Approach:
The approach taken in this evaluation is a testament to the commitment to overcoming barriers and ensuring the health and safety of populations in the most challenging of circumstances. By actively engaging with the local communities in these militancy-hit areas, we were able to bridge the gap between traditional public health programs and the realities on the ground. This community engagement not only enhanced the acceptance of vaccination programs but also fostered trust among the residents, leading to a significant reduction in vaccine hesitancy.
Lessons Learned:
Community-Centric Approaches Work: The key takeaway from this evaluation is the undeniable efficacy of community-centric approaches. Understanding the local culture, religious beliefs, and socio-economic factors is paramount in crafting effective public health programs.
Data-Driven Decision Making: The importance of evidence-based and actionable data cannot be overstated. Our findings, based on meticulous evaluation, provided policy makers and stakeholders with valuable insights, enabling them to make informed decisions.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The work conducted in these areas contributes directly to achieving relevant SDGs. Improved health outcomes are intrinsically linked to sustainable development, and this evaluation is a vital step in that direction.
Implications for Similar Regions:
The significance of this work extends far beyond the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Conflict-hit regions around the world grapple with similar challenges, and the techniques and lessons derived from this evaluation can serve as a blueprint for others. The approach of considering the peculiar dynamics of public health evaluation in militancy-hit areas, with their unique religious and sociocultural barriers, is groundbreaking. It offers new perspectives on standards of quality in evaluation theory, method, and practice.
Conclusion:
The evaluation of Global Health Security indicators and polio programs in militancy-hit areas along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border represents a milestone in the field of public health. By engaging communities, generating evidence-based data, and overcoming barriers to vaccination, we have not only improved health outcomes but also paved the way for other regions facing similar challenges. This work underscores the importance of adaptability, community involvement, and data-driven decision making in public health, ultimately contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals and global health security.
As we reflect on this journey, it is evident that the lessons learned will continue to guide us in our pursuit of better health for all, regardless of the challenges we face. This work is a testament to the resilience, determination, and innovation of those dedicated to public health in even the most trying of circumstances.
Do you have questions, concerns, kudos, or content to extend this aea365 contribution? Please add them in the comments section for this post on the aea365 webpage so that we may enrich our community of practice. Would you like to submit an aea365 Tip? Please send a note of interest to aea365@eval.org . aea365 is sponsored by the American Evaluation Association and provides a Tip-a-Day by and for evaluators. The views and opinions expressed on the AEA365 blog are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the American Evaluation Association, and/or any/all contributors to this site.
Impressive work in an exceptionally challenging environment. The combination of conflict, border infiltration, and security threats in militancy-hit areas makes your evaluation even more critical. Your community-centric approach not only bridges cultural divides but also contributes to building trust in a complex context, which is no small feat. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making is crucial, especially in areas where traditional public health interventions might face strong resistance. Your work provides a valuable blueprint for regions grappling with similar issues worldwide. It’s an inspiring example of resilience and innovation in public health, even in the face of adversity. Kudos to you and your team (if any).
Hello Dr. Saeed,
Indeed you approach of addressing these war torn and insecure areas is remarkable that reflects your visionary mind.
Would like to read the report and not just synopsis.