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. 2016 May 1;213 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):S96-100.
doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiv492. Epub 2016 Jan 27.

Implementation of a Systematic Accountability Framework in 2014 to Improve the Performance of the Nigerian Polio Program

Sisay G Tegegne  1 , Pascal MKanda  2 , Yared G Yehualashet  1 , Tesfaye B Erbeto  1 , Kebba Touray  1 , Peter Nsubuga  3 , Richard Banda  1 , Rui G Vaz  1
Affiliations

Implementation of a Systematic Accountability Framework in 2014 to Improve the Performance of the Nigerian Polio Program

Sisay G Tegegne et al. J Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Background: An accountability framework is a central feature of managing human and financial resources. One of its primary goals is to improve program performance through close monitoring of selected priority activities. The principal objective of this study was to determine the contribution of a systematic accountability framework to improving the performance of the World Health Organization (WHO)-Nigeria polio program staff, as well as the program itself.

Methods: The effect of implementation of the accountability framework was evaluated using data on administrative actions and select process indicators associated with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance, routine immunization, and polio supplemental immunization activities. Data were collected in 2014 during supportive supervision, using Magpi software (a company that provides service to collect data using mobile phones). A total of 2500 staff were studied.

Results: Data on administrative actions and process indicators from quarters 2-4 in 2014 were compared. With respect to administrative actions, 1631 personnel (74%) received positive feedback (written or verbal commendation) in quarter 4 through the accountability framework, compared with 1569 (73%) and 1152 (61%) during quarters 3 and 2, respectively. These findings accorded with data on process indicators associated with AFP surveillance and routine immunization, showing statistically significant improvements in staff performance at the end of quarter 4, compared with other quarters.

Conclusions: Improvements in staff performance and process indicators were observed for the WHO-Nigeria polio program after implementation of a systematic accountability framework.

Keywords: accountability framework; administrative actions; program performance; selected deliverables; staff performance.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Milestones of accountability framework (AF) implementation. Abbreviation: SOP, standard operating procedures.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Percentage of the targeted number of Nigerian health facilities supervised by World Health Organization (WHO) staff at which active case searching was completed, partially completed, or not completed in 2014, by quarter.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Percentage of Nigerian health facilities supervised by World Health Organization (WHO) staff in which data quality self-assessments were completed, partially completed, or not completed in 2014, by quarter.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. World Health Organization. WHO statement on the meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee concerning the international spread of wild poliovirus, 2014. www.polioeradication.org/Keycountries/PolioEmergency.aspx. Accessed 6 November 2015.
    1. World Health Organization. International health regulations. Geneva: WHO, 2005. www.who.int/ihr/publications/9789241596664/en/. Accessed 6 November 2015.
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