Application of M&E System Strengthening Tool (MESST) to assess the M&E systems for HIV prevention and treatment programme in Sri Lanka

Introduction: Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) is one of the main funding sources for Sri Lanka to achieve its national objectives on HIV prevention, treatment and care. The GFATM HIV/AIDS programme is collectively implemented by the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) and non-government umbrella organizations (UOs). Grant recipients have to show results when requesting funds. Therefore, it is agreed that country HIV M&E systems should comply with the standard 12-components M&E system strengthening (MESS) tool. The objective of this assessment is to identify current strengths and weaknesses of the M&E systems and to develop a plan of action for system strengthening.

Methods: MESS tool was used for the assessment which has 12 Excel worksheets to be completed by the M&E stakeholders in the NSACP and UOs. Three multidisciplinary groups (10 stakeholders per group) were formed and each was given 4 sheets to be completed by participatory approach. Worksheets have M&E related statements to be collectively graded by stakeholders considering the country context and M&E experiences.

Results: MESS tool generate summary dashboards with regard to the collective grading of statements of the tool under 12-components. It showed both strengths and weaknesses in the prevailing M&E systems for HIV in the NSACP and UOs. Organization structure, human capacity, national and sub national databases as well as supportive supervision & auditing are main areas identified by the tool that need strengthening.

Conclusions: MESS tool is an important organizing framework to identify strengths and weaknesses and gaps in the M&E system of the NSACP and UOs. Results reflect the areas to be strengthen and rectified in order to show realistic programme outcome and impact results.  

Sri Lanka Journal of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine Vol.1 2015: 7-11