The document outlines the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Health Management Information System (HMIS) within the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) of Sierra Leone. It aims to address existing challenges in health data management by establishing systematic protocols for data collection, analysis, storage, and dissemination. The SOPs are designed to enhance data quality, promote timely reporting, and ensure effective data use at all levels—community, health facilities, districts, and nationally. Key objectives include improving data accuracy, completeness, and reliability, while fostering a culture of data utilization across health stakeholders. Responsibilities for data management are clearly delineated at national, district, health facility, and community levels, emphasizing collaboration among various health programs and partners. The document also specifies procedures for safeguarding HMIS data through stringent security measures, including access protocols, data privacy standards, and guidelines for data retention. This structured approach aims to ensure coordinated health interventions, facilitate decision-making, and ultimately improve health outcomes in Sierra Leone. The SOPs serve as a crucial framework supporting the strategic goals of the MOHS, aligning with broader health system strengthening initiatives, and fostering sustainable health reporting practices across the country.

The Frontier Health Markets Engage initiative aims to strengthen youth-driven demand for family planning (FP) and sexual reproductive health (SRH) services in Sierra Leone. A Public-Private Dialogue held in October 2023 brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, youth-led organizations, and development partners to address barriers to accessing FP and SRH services for the youth. The workshop facilitated critical discussions around existing market gaps, awareness challenges, and socio-cultural barriers influencing SRH and FP uptake. Key findings emphasize the need for a tailored sex education curriculum, streamlined licensure processes for service providers, and collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance service accessibility. Recommended actions include establishing youth-friendly health schemes, capacity building for healthcare professionals, leveraging digital platforms for awareness campaigns, and creating a supportive environment through community engagement. The dialogue illustrated the importance of unified strategies to dismantle stigmas and reshape perceptions around SRH and FP, while fostering multi-sector collaboration. The report underscores the necessity of continual partnerships to ensure a sustainable approach toward meeting the reproductive health needs of Sierra Leone's youth, ultimately aligning with the broader goals of improving healthcare outcomes within mixed health systems.

The document outlines Amendment No. 2 to the Strengthening Integrated Health Services Activity (SIHSA) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from USAID, responding to questions posed by applicants regarding CHW remuneration, budget expectations, and procurement management. It confirms that CHWs will be remunerated in three specific districts—Pujehun, Falaba, and Kailahun—for a two-year period. Additionally, it clarifies that the budget expectation for transition awards should not reflect these amounts, and details on the preferred procurement model should be included as stipulated in previous amendments. The main purpose of the document is to provide clarity and guidance to potential applicants in preparation for funding under the SIHSA initiative, ensuring adherence to budget expectations and district-specific requirements while maintaining the integrity of the overall application process. All other terms of the RFA remain unchanged.

The document is an amendment to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "Strengthening Integrated Health Services Activity" (SIHSA), issued by USAID. The amendment serves three main purposes: to extend the application submission deadline to June 7, 2024; to address questions received by March 25, 2024; and to revise the NOFO, with changes highlighted. Key topics include specific health targets to be achieved by the SIHSA project, allocation of resources, clarity on personnel requirements, and the process for engaging local organizations as sub-recipients. The amendment outlines expectations for outcome achievements, such as reducing mortality ratios and improving health behaviors, while also detailing budget and procurement responsibilities. Notably, it clarifies that transition awards will be separate from the core SIHSA funding and highlights the importance of integrating local organizations within health program implementations. Furthermore, it emphasizes ongoing consultation with USAID during the implementation phase. This document is a critical reference for applicants preparing their proposals, ensuring a clear understanding of program requirements and expectations for successful implementation of the SIHSA initiative.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $45,000,000 to implement the Strengthening Integrated Health Services Activity (SIHSA) in Sierra Leone. The objective is to enhance health services for vulnerable populations, particularly children under five, pregnant women, and marginalized groups in hard-to-reach areas. SIHSA aims to improve the quality and accessibility of family planning, maternal and child health, and malaria services while fostering community engagement in health initiatives. The initiative recognizes the need for a resilient health system that can withstand public health emergencies, incorporating a rapid response fund for crises. The funding will also support capacity building of local organizations to ensure sustainability beyond the five-year project term. The collaboration will involve the Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to align efforts with national health strategies and global health targets, emphasizing increased accountability and leadership in health service delivery. Interested applicants must review the guidelines thoroughly, adhere to eligibility criteria, and submit applications by May 15, 2024, with inquiries due by March 25, 2024. The process emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and building effective partnerships between public and private sectors in improving health outcomes.