National Community Health Volunteer Program (NCHVP) – Mid-term Review Report

Background:
In 2005 a PAN Sudan health assessment was carried out jointly by representatives from the Sudan Red Crescent Society (SRCS), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) and representatives of other Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement partners in Sudan, to support the SRCS in identifying its role in the area of health and water and sanitation.
Following the recommendations from this assessment the National Community Health Volunteer Program was established in five states in Sudan and two states in today’s South Sudan in 2007. In 2009 the program was also initiated in two more states in South Sudan.

The NCHVP attempts to build local capacities in order to deal with the most common health risks in targeted communities in Sudan. It seeks to empower people to take care of their own health and the management of SRCS volunteers plays a key role within the program. The program thus has a significant organizational development component , most activities are carried out by SRCS volunteers through household visits, community awareness sessions and campaigns.

According to the Terms of Reference, the overall goal of the program is that: “targeted communities are resilient to health risks, natural and man-made hazards and disasters, supported by an effective and efficient national society” .

Norwegian Red Cross has supported the program with NORAD funding since 2009. Support for the program is currently received from the Norwegian Red Cross, the Swedish Red Cross, the Finnish Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross. The Norwegian Red Cross and the Swedish Red Cross are the main contributors to the program.

Purpose/objective:
The main purpose of the report has been to assess the Sudanese Red Crescent Society’s National Community Health Volunteer Program (NCHVP) according to the OECD/DAC evaluation criteria 2 of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact (outcome) and sustainability.

The report will be used as basis when considering further support to the program in the Northern part of Sudan. It will also serve as background for a possible continuation of a revised NCHVP in South Sudan, perhaps in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Methodology:
The team responsible for conducting the review used the following methodology:

Desk study: Relevant documents such as strategies, policies, manuals, annual plans, applications and reports were reviewed. The NorCross Programme Coordinator for Sudan was interviewed.

Field Work: Interviewed key representatives at the SRCS’s Headquarters, followed by field trips in both northern and southern parts of Sudan. Interviews and focus group discussions were held with the total number of 146 informants, included different Red Cross/Red Crescent institutions’ staff, representatives of the authorities, beneficiaries and volunteers.

Key findings:
The overall recommendation in the report is that with some adjustments program implementation should continue in the current program branches and extensions to other SRCS branches should be considered.

Recommendations:
Relevance: SRCS should advocate towards the construction of latrines and ensure access to clean water in communities where NCHVP is implemented, to ensure better relevance for the project. Additionally, a more strategic approach to malaria prevention and Mother, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) should be considered.

Effectiveness: More focus on stigma and discrimination of peoples living with HIV/Aids during training of volunteers. Expenses for maintenance for bikes and motorbikes should be included in the program budget. A system for replenishment of First Aid kits should be implemented.

Efficiency: Transfer mechanisms and communication regarding funding as well as the content and quality of the reporting should be strengthened. It should be considered to increase the incentives for the volunteers. Refresher trainings for staff and volunteers should be conducted, to keep them motivated and updated

Sustainability: SRCS should, together with its partners, start discussing exit strategies. The SRCS should develop a more strategic approach towards national partners and new international partners with the aim to attract funding for the project.

Comments from the organisation, if any: