Health Systems Strengthening Accelerator (HSSA) Core – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Timeline: November 2018 – September 2020 | Status: Completed

Multiple Countries / Global

Project Overview

Health systems strengthening programmes operate in complex environments where continuous learning is essential for improving performance and achieving sustainable impact. Effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems help organisations understand what works, identify challenges, and adapt strategies based on evidence.

Between 2018 and 2020, the Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF) contributed to the Health Systems Strengthening Accelerator (HSSA) Core – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning initiative, implemented through USAID and Results for Development (R4D).

The project focused on strengthening learning processes across the HSSA portfolio by supporting evidence generation, performance monitoring, knowledge capture, and the dissemination of lessons from health systems strengthening efforts. Through robust MEL approaches, the initiative aimed to improve programme effectiveness while contributing to broader learning within the global health community.

By helping stakeholders document experiences and translate evidence into action, the project supported more informed decision-making and stronger health systems outcomes.

Health systems strengthening programmes often involve multiple stakeholders, countries, and implementation contexts. While valuable lessons are generated throughout implementation, these insights are not always systematically captured, shared, or applied.

Without strong monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems, opportunities for adaptation and improvement may be missed. Effective MEL frameworks are therefore essential for understanding programme performance, measuring progress, and ensuring that evidence informs future investments and interventions.

HSDF supported the development and implementation of monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities that strengthened evidence generation and knowledge sharing across the HSSA portfolio. The project focused on:

Supporting monitoring and performance assessment activities.
Strengthening learning and knowledge management processes.
Capturing and documenting implementation experiences.
Facilitating evidence generation and dissemination.
Supporting adaptive management and continuous improvement.
Promoting the use of data and learning to inform decision-making.

The project recognised that learning is a critical component of effective health systems strengthening and sustainable programme improvement.

The HSSA Core MEL initiative helped create stronger systems for learning across health systems strengthening programmes. By supporting the collection, analysis, and application of evidence, the project enabled stakeholders to better understand programme performance and adapt approaches based on real-world experience.

The work reinforced the importance of learning as a driver of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, helping ensure that health systems strengthening investments deliver lasting value and impact.