MEETNOTES

Health Sector Steering Committee Meeting

21ST April, 2011, 10am- 12:00 pm

Attendees: Health SectorSteering Committee – see full list in Annex A

Apologies:

Chair:Dr. K. S Daoh. Chief Medical Officer

Please read:Papers circulated during the meeting included:

Agenda Item
  1. Welcome address
The meeting commenced at 10: 30 following individual silent prayers. The Chairman expressed apologies for the unavoidable absence of the Hon. Minister of Health and Sanitation.
  1. Overview – Subcommittee Update
Dr. Daoh then asked the plenary for comments from Partners on the COMPAFT vis responses from their respective headquarters.
FEEDBACK FROM PARTNERS:
  • Dr. Gakuru intimated the meeting that World Bank was still expecting a feedback from their Legal Department but assured the meeting that comments from World Bank would be consolidated and communicated to all by next week. The WHO Representative on his part stated that he has been advised by the WHO Regional Director for Africa to sign on behalf of WHO implying therefore that WHO is comfortable with the document as it is.
  • A seven man team comprising Dr. Gakuru of WHO, Ms. Izabel Huberd of UNICEF, Mr. Myke Dauda of Local Government, Mr. Warritay of MOFED, Drs. Magbity, Aminata Kanu and Gborie of MOHS was constituted to do the final editing and consolidation. Mr. Yahaya Conteh and Mr. Charles Mambu were asked to support the team with preparatory work leading to the signing of the COMPACT in a grand style with a date to be communicated to Partners pending the approval of the Hon. Minister. However, 5th May 2011 was proposed as a signing date.
  • The meeting recommended that the signing be done under the auspices of H.E the President as it is an Inter Ministerial document seeking the commitments of the Ministries of Health, Local Government, Finance and likely Foreign Affairs.
DRUGS AND LOGISTICS
  • The Procurement Unit of the MOHS having commented on the PSM Bid will forward its comments to the DDMS and UNICEF for onward communication with the Firms
  • Distribution of GOSL procured health commodities is in progress with forecast for essential medicines for 2011 done and are with UNICEF. Senior DDMS staff have already been assigned to districts.
  • LMIS cascade training budget submitted to UNICEF with training expected to commence in May- June 2011 covering districts and chiefdoms and SOP manuals will be supplied to all health facilities; collation of procurement, distribution and stock balance records from CMS, ADB, UNFPA as at January 1st is on going
  • Nationwide stock taking by a private Firm at all levels is on going; the DDMS receives monthly report on stock level from all districts
  • Forecasting, quantification and procurement of cost recovery drugs by GOSL in progress with limited tender being sought from NPPA to expedite the process.
COMMENTS ON THE PRESENTATION
  • Ms. Ganeshfrom UNICEF encouraged the DDMS and the Procurement Committee to fast track the PSM Bid evaluation process so that the outcome will be communicatedto the Bidding Firms.
  • Dr. Sikana intimated the meeting that rolling out of CHANNEL to PHUs will be a challenge because according to him, the system is not being used consistently in drugs distribution, consumption stating that the districts complain of lack of fuel. The meeting noted that successful implementation of the CHANNEL will require strong monitoring and supervision.
  • The CMO requested the DDMS to identify capable MOHS staff that will serve as Counterparts to the 14 District Logistics Officers UNICEF will hire
  • Ms. Gilpin of CARE Int. observed that there is need to invite NGOs supporting FHC implementation at district level to the LMIS cascade training so that they too are knowledgeable in the process that would inform monitoring and supervision. Ms. Gnesh responded that the NGOs have already been invited.
  • Dr. Gakuru observed that the fragmented discussion on the issues relating to drugs generally including the CHANNEL indicate some disconnect and therefore urged the Sub Committee to meet regularly to harmonise ideas and thoughts. She also recommended that issues of National Drugs Policy, EssentialMedicines, Drugs Regulation be discussed as a standing Agenda at next HSSC Meeting
  • NEXT STEPS/ ACTION POINTS
  • DDMS to facilitate the Technical Evaluation of PSM Bid and to convene Procurement Committee meeting without delay and inform UNICEF accordingly.
  • On the identification of Counterpart District Logistics Officers, DDMS asked to submit names to CMO.
  • Institute robust monitoring and supervision system to ensure the successful implementation of the CHANNEL
  • DDMS to invite NGOs supporting FHC implementation at filed level to participate in the LMIS cascade training.
  • HSSC meeting to discuss Drugs Regulation, Policy and Essential Medicines at its next meeting and the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone to be invited to serve as a member of the Health Sector Steering Committee.
MONITORING AND EVALUATION SUB COMMITTEE
  • The Sub Committee identified and responded to five key issues that have been raised during the six months Performance Review of the FHC with critical recommendations vis:
  1. To harmonise data collection at all levels
  2. Increase both the quality and completeness of data collected
  3. Produce regular update on service delivery uptake
  4. Investigate the reasons for any reduction in service uptake
  5. Provide data on inputs, especially drugs consumption.
To achieve the above, the Committee has undertaken the following:
  1. The data collection tools including registers and forms have been revised to capture data on FHC sub groups’i.e. children under five years, breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women opting for health care services at health facilities. The printing of the revised registers and forms has been completed and will be transported to the districts on 15/4/11
  2. To increase both quality ad completeness of data:
Sufficient numbers of forms and registers have been produced
Health workers will be trained in their use
Supervision of data collection has heightened during which registers will be reviewed and problems corrected.
Iii Regular update on services uptake have been produced through quarterly bulletins
iv. A study of the barriers to service uptake has started in collaboration with Concern Worldwide and the results will inform all on the current barriers to service uptake with the removal of fees.
v. In order to monitor the availability of drugs at facility level, simple tools have been designed to provide this information while work is in progress with Drugs Committee to establish the LMIS.
COMMENTS
  • The CMO asked that research findings be shared with all when completed.
  • Mr. Charles Mambu reiterated the need for a sustained collaboration between and among all stakeholders
NEXT STEPS/ ACTION POINTS
  • Update on the distribution of Forms to districts and PHUs
  • Status of training of staff in the use of revised tools
  • Status of the study on barriers to access to health care
  • Strengthen the involvement of Civil Society Organisations in monitoring the implementation of the FHC.
COMMUNICATION SUB COMMITTEE.
  • 2001 Communications activities reviewed and report will be shared with all at next HSSC meeting.
INFRASTRUCTURE SUB COMMITTEE
  • First quarter of 2011 Facilities Improvement Assessment Team done in mid March. The assessment revealed that there are no data for BEmONC blood and Labs, equipment and drugs, and supplies from 2010 baseline survey. It also revealed that there is marked increase in CHCs equipped with solar power in few districts which accounted for the increase up to the standard level in the category of electricity
  • The referrals continue to exceed the level expected. Most facilities confirmed access to ambulance service within three hours and that there was a possibility of 24 hour communications. A challenge in medical personnel accompanying ambulance was initially faced though later improved. This was so because there were no funds to facilitate the return of staff supporting referrals.
  • Agreement is being prepared to be signed by Districts to ensure compliance of key deliverables in their respective districts.
NEXT STEPS/ ACTION POINTS
  • Produce and circulate final FIT Report to all ASAP.
  • State foot note to enhance better understanding of some registers.
HUMAN RESOURCES SUB COMMITTEE
  • The MOHS is in the process of revising HR Policy but request for Technical Assistance
  • Plans to revive the HRH Sub Committee to make it more functional and efficient.
  • Challenges of mobility, lubricants, fuel etc to facilitate monitoring and supervision of attendance to ensure compliance with Standards.
FINANCE SUB COMMITTEE
  • Work on Performance Based Financing in progress since its commencement on April 1st with the development of Operational Manual, TOT organized for Monitoring and Evaluation Officers from DHMTs, LCs, DHSs, cascading of training at districts for all PHU in charges
  • On the FBOs, a Concept Paper has been developed including Draft Contract for the attention of the MOHS.
NEXT STEPS/ ACTION POINTS
  • Approval of Operation Manual
  • Conduct Benefit Incidence Analysis
  • Develop Health Financing Strategy.
  • National Health Accounts Operational
CONCLUSION
The meeting was adjourned to Tuesday 3rd May 2011 at 10:00AM prompt with the following Agenda Items:
  • Presentation of edited and Finalized COMPACT
  • Update on the Preparations for COMPACT signing.
  • Discussions on Drugs Regulation, Policy and Essential Medicines
  • Updates from the Sub Committees
  • AOB

HEALTH SECTOR STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING OFTHURSDAY 14TH APRIL 2011
NO. / NAME / DESIGNATION / TEL. NO. / EMAIL / Subcommittee Member? / Attended PLEASE SIGN
1 / Aitor Sanchez / IRC /
2 / Ambrose James / SFCG / 076 604 298 / / Comms
3 / Amie Lompri Koroma / SC / 076 808 716 /
4 / Anne-Marie Callan / Embassy of Ireland/Irish Aid Programme / 76472744 /
5 / Augustine Kabamo / UNICEF / 76302333 /
6 / Bassie Turay / DDMS/MoHS / 076-395010 / / Drugs/Logistics / y
7 / Charles Mambu / National Chairman Health For All Coalition / 76623428 / / Com./Drugs / Y
8 / Dr A A Sandi / MoHS – HR Manager / 76664280 / / HR - Chair
9 / Dr Boniface Kalanda / UNFPA / 76590297 /
10 / Dr K.S. Daoh / CMO / 76658976 / / y
11 / Dr Alemu / WHO / 76878666 / / Y
12 / Dr Komba Kono / Minister of State /
13 / Dr Magnus Gborie / DPI/MoHS / 76601690 / / V, S & G / Y
14 / Dr SAS Kargbo / RCHP/MoHS / 76603274 / / V, S & G / Y
15 / Dr Alhassan Seisay / MoHS – Deputy CMO /
16 / Dr Tenin Gakuruh / WHO / 78738603 / / Y
17 / Dr. Samuel O. Onwona / ADB - Resident Representative /
18 / Edward Magbity / MoHS – M&E Specialist / 33324567 / / M&E Chair / Y
19 / Emmanuel Tofoatsi / UNFPA/MoHS/SDHS / 33108458 /
20 / Evelyn Awittor / World Bank / 76568411 / / Finance, HR
21 / James E.M. Sallia / CCSHRA / 076 817 645 /
22 / Joseph B.Koroma / WHO / 76779838 /
23 / Julius Sandi / Public Sector Reform Unit / / HR
24 / Karolina Roiha / UNICEF /
25 / Kuge Katsua / JICA /
26 / Stuart Zimble / MSF / 76602418 / / Head of Mission
27 / Mabel Carew / Chief Nursing Officer, MoHS / 78720893 / / Communications and HR
28 / Mahimbo Mdoe / UNICEF /
29 / Mantee / Marie Stopes /
30 / Mike Amara / MoHS – Health Economist / 76628307 / / Finance Chair / Y
31 / Mike Dauda / MoFED – LGFD / 76607012 / / Finance
32 / Mohammed Massaquoi / MoHS / 76990188 / / Y
33 / Momodu Sesay / RCHP/MoHS /
34 / Mr. Sillah / MoHS /
35 / Mr. Cecil Nartey / ADB - Principal Country Programme Officer- /
36 / Mr. Sandy M. Jambawai- / ADB - Social Sector Specialist- /
37 / Mulunesh Tennagashaw / UNAIDS / 76801402 /
38 / Peter Sikana / MoHS/UNFPA / 76636852 / / HR & Drugs / y
39 / Phyllis Ocran / UNICEF / 78656754 / / Drugs
40 / Professor Adu-Gyamfi / SDHSP/MoHS / 76573709 / / HR
41 / Rajeev Vishwakarma / Concern / 76675017 / / M&E and Logistics
42 / Ratidzai Ndlovu / UNFPA / 76625964 /
43 / Saa Bandabila / SFCG / 076 969 763 /
44 / Sahr Hemore / HED/MoHS / 76956060 / / Comms - Chair / Y
45 / Shellac Davies / SLANGO /
46 / Sue Clarke / IRC / 76541601 /
47 / Susan Mshana / DFID / 76800258 / / All esp M&E / Apologies
48 / Tawo Oluyomi / UNFPA/MoHS/SDHS / 33108458 /
49 / Vidhya Ganesh / UNICEF / 76291023 / / Y
50 / Walter Carew / CHASL / 76602595 / / FBO
51 / Yayah Conteh / Donor/Liaison Office/MoHS / 76603222 / / communication / Y
52 / Dr Jambai / Director of Disease Prevention and Control / / Comms
53 / T R Gbetuwa / Director of Support Services / / Supply Chain
54 / Dr Lynda Foray / Family and Reproductive Health / 76651555 / / Infrastructure/M&E
55 / Lianne Kuppens / UNICEF - Chief CSD / 76612424 /
56 / John Tommy / MOH&S/Environment Sanitation / 76612176 /
57 / Koffi Kouame / UNFPA / 76478277 / / Procurement and Drugs
58 / Mohamed M. Jalloh / IT/HIS Advisor / 76242892 / M&E
59 / Dr A Sillah /
60 / Dr D Conteh / MoHS – Director of Hospitals and Labs / 76629086 /
61 / Aruna Kamara / EMCISS / 76440033 /
62 / Chernoh Mansaray / MoHS / 769337738 /
63 / Betty Sam / CHASL / 076-629811 /
64 / Ami S. Koroma / Prog. Manager Food & Nutrition / 076-300-770 /
65 / Mrs. Elizabeth Deckar / President SLMA / 033-737940 /
66 / Mrs. Amelia E. Gabba / West African College of Nursing / 076-611-763 /
67 / Hon. Aloysius M.K. Massaquoi / Parliament Committee on Health
68 / Manoj Kumar / Concern / 076-744346 /
69 / Jonathan Abass Kamara / 076-678021 / / PRO-MOHS
70 / Dr. Patric Don Davis / Oral Health / 076-651673 / patricdon/@yahoo.com
71 / Michael M. Koroma / 076-533926 / VP-SLNA /
72 / Madonna Hill / 076-779746 / /
73 / Morlai Conteh / MOHS / 077-569828 /
74 / Dr. Jarrie Kabba-Kebbay / UNFPA / 76404321 /
75 / Dr. Julius F. Sandy / PSRU / 076-742720 / / Steering Group
76 / Carole Green / MOHS/PHC Directorate / 033100 415 /
77 / Jonathan Kondokwi / MOHS/PRO Office / 77730870 /
78 / Dennis T. T homas / Sr. Pharmacist MOHS / 76606367 / / y
79 / Monica Green / Clinical Services Director / 76628307 /
80 / Chernoh Mansaray / Asst. Secretary - MOHS / 76937738 /
81 / Ami S. Koroma / Nutrition Manager / 076-300770
82 / Solomon Kamara / ADB / 76720647 /
83 / Mohamed R. Koroma / Director, HRMO / 076-605069 /
84 / Joseph B. Moiwo / Deputy Chief Pharmacist / 076-616460 /
85 / E.B. Kamara / SPS - MOHS / 076-618825 /
86 / Sidie Y. Tunis / Health Information Specialist - MOHS / 033-849998 /
87 / M.K. Warritay / Deputy Director, EPRU -MOFED / 076-659117 /
88 / Ernest Surrur / DG. HRMO / 33196944 /
89 / Erin Chu / Booz & Co / 076-434246 / / hHRH / y
90 / Stuart King / Options / 76236762 / / FBO/Finance
91 / John Tommy / Env. Health / 076-612176 / / HR S-Com
92 / Nathan Sansom / OTB / 033-111107 /
93 / Dr. Magnus Ken Gborie / DPI/MOHS / 076-601690 /
94 / Isatu Kajue / UNFPA / 076-805654 / / UNFPA
95 / Musa J. Seppeh / CMS / 076-612456 / / Logistics / Y
96 / Yeama B. Ridoner / Amnesty International / 33561852 / / Comms
97 / Abdul-Rahman Sowa / Office of the President ( SPU) / 076-650637 /
98 / Dr. Jack Nyamongo / WHO /
99 / John Heine / TB-AGI / 033 11167 / / Y
100 / Alie Dausy Wurie / MOHS / 033 409 648
101 / Amara S Koroma / MOHS / 076 612 853 / / FINANCE / Y
102 / Madibo Maica / USAID/AWARE II
103 / Dr. Martin Laouroh / USAID/AWARE II
104 / Alhasan Kamara / HFAC
105 / Dr. Augustine Kabano / UNICEF / 76 302 333 /
106 / Igor Novykov / UNICEF / / Y
107 / Jasminka Vilovanovic / Save The Children / 76 531 774 /
108 / Christian Vonjoe / MOHS / 76 918 886 /
109 / Solade Pyne Bailey / MOHS / 33 321 064 /
110 / Elizabeth Lemor / MOHS / 76 621 920 /
111 / Thomas Harding / MOHS / 76 817841 /
112 / Ibrahim R. Bangura / Handicap Int / 88 350010 /
113 / Dominga Sorgie Thomas / MOHS / 76663843 /
114 / Regina Parham / Options / 78 949 830 /
115 / Sorie Kamara / MOHS/OPTIONS / 78124410 /
116 / Bryan Welham / DFID / 76634721 / / Y
117 / T. T Tengbeh / MOHS /
118 / Alhassan B. Kamara / 076 880885 /
119 / Aminata Kanu / MLI / 76 658 954 / / Y
120 / Ibrahim B. Swarray / MOHS / 33 587 321 / Y
121 / Sam J. Tapera / MOHS OPTIONS / 78 124 400 / / Y
122 / UZO Gilpin / Care Int. / 78 229 212 / ,org / Comms / Y

1