Detailed Mechanism Funding and Narrative

Years of mechanism: 2011 2012 2013

Details for Mechanism ID: 12757
Country/Region: Tanzania
Year: 2012
Main Partner: RTI International
Main Partner Program: NA
Organizational Type: Private Contractor
Funding Agency: HHS/CDC
Total Funding: $490,000

The goal of this mechanism is to strengthen the abilities of local institutions and scientists in Tanzania to independently conduct research and evaluation studies in HIV/AIDS. The project aims to support PEPFAR and the Government of Tanzania in improving health evaluation initiatives and obtaining high-quality, timely outputs. This is achieved through strengthening research capacity and infrastructure of local institutions to independently conduct research and evaluation studies. The project responds to objectives in the PFIP, GHI and the Tanzanian HSSPIII in numerous ways. The PFIP ensures that USG support is in line with Tanzanian government priorities, of which a data-driven approach is key to improving the use of relevant and comprehensive evidence provided in a timely manner in HIV-related planning and decision making. One of GHIs main goals to foster sustainable effective, efficient and country-led public health programs, while the HSSPIII has an objective to develop a comprehensive M&E and Research Strategy and to enhance surveys and operational research efforts in the health and social welfare sectors in Tanzania. This project targets government institutions in the Dar es Salaam and Mwanza regions conducting research and evaluation in Tanzania. Providing higher proportions of technical assistance and support within Tanzania, each project year will increase cost efficicieny. With greater proportions of technical assistance performed in-country and increased capacity within local organizations (e.g. NIMR and NIMR Mwanza), future evaluation activities will be expected to be supported by local institutions with lower level of technical support. M&E plans will follow the requirements and schedule of project progress reports.

Funding for Strategic Information (HVSI): $190,000

RTI will provide technical assistance to support strengthening the research and evaluation capacity of local institutions. Capacity building will take place through training, mentoring, and on-the-job learning from technical experts in the area of data management, program evaluation, statistics, clinical trial research and qualitative research. Local consultants or agencies may also be contracted to provide qualitative and quantitative data abstraction, collection, cleaning and entry, and data management or other relevant skills as needed for project implementation.

RTI will develop approaches to improving the utilization of research and evaluation evidence in programming and policy by URT. RTI will also support the monitoring, evaluation and utilization of the National HIV Health Research and Evaluation agenda, and support the coordination with other agendas.

Funding for Health Systems Strengthening (OHSS): $300,000

RTI provides technical assistance to local organizations to execute evaluations and research in line with URT/USG shared priorities, in particular relating to HRH research and evaluation. For COP 2012, RTI will provide technical assistance for ongoing improvements at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). This technical assistance would eventually strengthen the overall support for operational research to CHMTs. RTI will focus on two activities in particular: Mwanza data management and Internal Review Board (IRB) secretariat support.

RTI experts will provide data management expertise to NIMR Mwanzas data management unit to :

- improve its capacity to support large scale research and evaluation studies

- develop NIMR Mwanzas ability to be a data center for other institutions

- develop NIMR Mwanzas ability to serve as a center of excellence for building capacity of other research organizations in Tanzania.

RTI will also support the NIMR IRB secretariat in the implementation and monitoring of the strategic plan, through mentorship activities developed in collaboration with NIMR and CDC. This may include the reorganization of job functions as well as the implementation of administrative procedures to facilitate the submission, registration and certification process, the tracking of ethical review submissions, reviews, approvals, and other functions. RTI will continue to support the NIMR IRB to address gaps identified in the Gap Analysis conducted in Year 1. This may include continued work on reviewing and updating standard operating procedures and ensuring that clear instructions and appropriate instruments are made available to investigators to facilitate the submission and review process.