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Delivering on equity and impact: Reflections on six years of supporting family planning in Kenya
Since 2020, the hera consortium—comprised of hera, the International Centre for Reproductive Health-Kenya (ICRH-K), and the Aga Khan University (AKU)—has had the privilege of walking alongside the DESIP programme (Delivering Sustainable and Equitable Increases in Family Planning) in Kenya as an independent monitoring and evaluation partner. Appointed by FCDO during the early days of DESIP’s rollout, our role has been to provide third-party monitoring, process evaluation, and facilitate learning throughout the life of the programme.
Now, as DESIP concludes its six-year journey, we’re proud to reflect on what this partnership has achieved—and what it has taught us.
Pioneering health sector reform: Rwanda's National Pharmacy Policy (2024-2029)
In a milestone achievement for global health policy, Rwanda has successfully launched its National Pharmacy Policy (2024-2029), marking a transformative step toward strengthening pharmaceutical governance and aligning with the country’s ambitious Vision 2050 goals. This comprehensive policy, developed by hera through a participatory and evidence-based process, not only addresses systemic gaps in the pharmaceutical sector but also positions Rwanda as a regional leader in innovative and inclusive health reforms.
Mapping the Future of Community Health in the MENA Region
Community health systems are the backbone of equitable healthcare delivery, especially in regions where vulnerable populations, including children, face significant health challenges. Recognizing the critical need to strengthen these systems, the UNICEF Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Office, with support from hera, commissioned a mapping of community health resources, policies, and infrastructure across 12 countries in the MENA region. The resulting findings are set to guide policymakers, donors, and civil society organisations in making strategic, informed decisions that will shape the future of community health in the region.
Comprehensive evaluation of UNICEF Mexico’s 2020-2025 Country Programme Document
At hera, we recently had the opportunity to lead an in-depth evaluation of UNICEF Mexico’s 2020-2025 Country Programme Document (CPD) (Evaluación del Programa de País 2020-2025 de UNICEF en México). This comprehensive assessment covered the programme’s implementation from 2020 to mid-2024, focusing on its four programmatic areas, their execution at federal and subnational levels, and their financial aspects. The evaluation was guided by the criteria of relevance, effectiveness, coherence, and sustainability, ensuring a well-rounded analysis of the programme’s achievements.
Unveiling the gendered impact of climate change in the Sahel: A groundbreaking study led by young women researchers
The Sahel region stands at the crossroads of climate change and gender inequality, where the escalating climate crisis disproportionately impacts adolescent girls and young women in their diversity. Recognizing the urgent need for a gendered analysis of these challenges, Plan International West and Central Africa Office commissioned hera to conduct a pioneering study on the gendered impact of climate change on adolescent girls’ rights in the Sahel. This research, conducted with an intersectional feminist approach over two phases, engaged 25 young women as co-researchers and 5 mentors, ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of adolescent girls and young women were at the heart of the study.
Bridging health system gaps: Key findings from Kenya’s Gavi HSS Evaluation
In recent years, Kenya has made significant strides in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. A key contributor to this progress has been the Gavi Health System Strengthening (HSS) support grant, which aimed to enhance immunization systems across the country. In 2024, hera, in collaboration with ICRH-Kenya, was commissioned by UNICEF to conduct a summative evaluation of the Gavi HSS programme to assess its relevance, effectiveness, and impact.
Mapping the future of global health governance: Insights from the Lusaka Agenda
The Lusaka Agenda of December 2023 marked a pivotal moment, outlining five critical shifts in health systems to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) and strengthen primary health care (PHC). In response to this agenda, hera undertook a project that mapped potential pathways for advancing these priorities, offering actionable insights for global health policy reform.
Enhancing universal health coverage: Piloting of innovative tools for the Evaluation of the P4H Network (P4H)
The P4H Network aims to expand healthcare access, reduce financial burdens, and protect against catastrophic health costs. To measure and communicate its impact, a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation framework and tools were developed, including the innovative Critical Milestone Timelines tool.
Evaluation of UNICEF’s Response to the L2 Cholera and Floods Emergency in Malawi and Mozambique
In 2023, Malawi and Mozambique faced a double blow of natural disasters and public health crises. The devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy, coupled with a severe cholera outbreak, left communities grappling with loss, destruction, and a lack of basic services. In response, UNICEF activated its Level 2 Corporate Emergency Activation Procedure (CEAP) to address the urgent needs of those affected. A recent evaluation by hera sheds light on the effectiveness and impact of UNICEF’s response to these concurrent emergencies, offering critical insights for future humanitarian efforts.
Impact analysis of COVID-19 on humanitarian health response
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing humanitarian crises, overwhelming healthcare systems and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. To understand the impact on humanitarian health responses, the WHO Global Health Cluster commissioned hera to conduct a comprehensive assessment.
Harnessing evidence for impact: hera’s evaluation of the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP)
hera was contracted to assess the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP).
Developing vulnerability assessment tools for sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings
With the goal of better integrating sexual and reproductive health and rights services (SRHR) into humanitarian responses, and improving access to services for vulnerable populations, hera led a consortium to develop a handbook for East and Southern Africa. The project aimed to create standardised tools for assessing vulnerability and its impact on SRHR service delivery.
Game Changers: Fostering maternal, newborn, adolescent and sexual and reproductive health through social and behaviour change communication strategies in Rwanda
In 2023, hera was contracted to develop and test social and behaviour change communication tools and strategies to enhance community awareness and participation in MNASRH services in Rwanda.
Investing in Women: A cornerstone for global health progress
As we commemorate March 8th as International Women's Day, the UN theme "Invest in women: Accelerate progress" serves as a timely reminder of the indispensable role of gender equality in delivering prosperity and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.
A roadmap for action: Launching the 2nd Milestone Scorecard for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
The 2nd Milestone Scorecard presents an important roadmap for future action. The insights provided in this data collection round show what’s working and provides crucial insights for shaping policies and health strategies, guiding us towards a future where sexual and reproductive health rights and services are accessible and upheld for all
Learning from Crisis: hera's Evaluation of UNICEF's L2 Response to the Uganda Ebola Crisis
Explore hera's comprehensive, learning-focused evaluation of UNICEF's response to the 2022-2023 Ebola crisis in Uganda. Learn how the evaluation aims to inform future public health strategies
Fact sheet on the Maternal Health of Women and Girls of African Descent in the Americas
This fact sheet was developed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with the support of a hera team that included Adria Armbrister, Marianne Eelens, and Alejandra Martinez.
Maternal, neonatal, adolescent, sexual and reproductive health in Rwanda
In 2022 hera was selected to support the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Barame project and conducted a knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) study to help identify gaps in community knowledge and utilization of health services related to maternal, neonatal, adolescent, sexual, and reproductive health, as well as providing recommendations for future development of communication and awareness strategies.
Gender equality mainstreaming in health evaluations and research workshop #HSR2022
At the Seventh Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (HSR2022) in Bogota, Colombia, hera Director Marieke Devillé, along with Alejandra Martinez presented a participatory workshop on gender-responsive evaluation and research approaches.
Final assessment of the Third-Party Monitoring of the Lebanon Health Programme for Syrian Refugees and Vulnerable Lebanese Population
hera assessed an EU program offering healthcare to Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese citizens in Lebanon. This program aimed to improve access to affordable and quality healthcare services. The evaluation, conducted despite challenges like political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic, found the program successful.