MEASURE Evaluation

MEASURE Evaluation logo As developing countries carry out health and nutrition programs, they need technically sound information to track health and nutrition issues, to evaluate interventions, and to allocate resources. As part of USAID’s MEASURE (Monitoring and Evaluation to Assess and Use Results) framework, MEASURE Evaluation works to improve and institutionalize the collection and use of data for monitoring and evaluation in several key areas—family planning, maternal health, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, nutrition, and infectious disease.

As a partner in MEASURE Evaluation, ICF Macro helps host countries improve performance monitoring plans and systems, design and test appropriate indicators, and assess the effects and costs of health services. Our responsibilities in MEASURE Evaluation include collection and analysis of data, information dissemination, training, and technical assistance:

In Uganda, we conducted a series of facility- and population-based surveys to assess progress in quality of care for family planning and antenatal clients and to evaluate a local reproductive health program.
In Mexico, we conducted a family survey to investigate stigma and discrimination among health care workers in regards to HIV/AIDS.
ICF Macro staff organized and facilitated a workshop in Dakar, Senegal, for 18 African countries to assess needs in monitoring and evaluating HIV/AIDS programs and to develop action plans for program tracking.

ICF Macro staff also joined other MEASURE Evaluation team members in teaching monitoring and evaluation training seminars for non-degree participants in the United States and Africa. Technical assistance provided through MEASURE Evaluation helped a number of host-country programs to develop or improve their plans for performance monitoring.

ICF Macro's responsibilities go beyond direct assistance to host countries. We managed MEASURE-level coordination activities for data collection, dissemination, and utilization. We also provided technical assistance in monitoring and evaluation to USAID/Washington operating units, USAID Missions, and cooperating agencies. This work included designing strategic frameworks, developing indicators, advising on and implementing data collection strategies, and analyzing data regarding issues of interest to the client.

The "ABC Study"

ICF Macro conducted a groundbreaking study analyzing changes in sexual behavior and HIV prevalence in six countries. The key prevention behaviors that guard against HIV transmission are known as the ABC Approach—A=abstinence, B=being faithful, C=condom use. These behaviors form the basis of global HIV prevention campaigns. We analyzed 10 years of data from three countries where HIV prevalence decreased and three countries where no declines have been recorded. We observed declines in HIV prevalence in countries that had increases in the key prevention behaviors, while similar changes in the behaviors were not observed in countries where HIV increased. Findings from the "ABC Study" are being used to inform policy among large-scale donors working in the area of HIV.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Roll Back Malaria (RBM)

ICF Macro works with the RBM Partnership to develop appropriate monitoring and evaluation tools and methods to track global progress against malaria. We were involved in the mid-term review of the RBM Partnership activities and made recommendations for improving monitoring and evaluation systems. We are working with the Partnership to put these improvements into place. We developed several data collection tools, including a Malaria Indicator Survey Instrument and an "add-on" series of questions for other national-level surveys. We also have been involved in collecting and analyzing malaria data from sub-Saharan African countries and using these data to improve program implementation.

ICFMacroNet | Privacy Statement | Contact Us | Site Map | What’s New