Abstract
The goal of the PSI/M project was to improve the health status of the Malagasy people, and especially women and children. The purpose of the project was to increase the use of effective health products, services and behaviors in the areas of family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH), as well as the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), malaria, diarrheal disease, and pneumonia. Project strategies included engagement with the private sector and evidence-based social marketing. From 2008 to 2012, PSI/M supported the promotion, communication, research, and training for health services, and the social marketing of 16 subsidized health products in wholesale commercial, pharmaceutical, and community outlets (the former based at established supply points). As well, a selection of PSI/M products was made available for Top Rseau, which is a franchised network of private, clinic-based providers established by PSI/M in 2000 with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The purpose of this evaluation was two-fold: (1) collect qualitative and quantitative information about PSI/Ms implementation, progress and challenges, with particular emphasis on whether PSI/M successfully achieved the expected results of the project. Additionally, share any programmatic, management and/or financial obstacles that affected project implementation to inform future projects; and (2) Inform USAID/Madagascar and key stakeholders on recommended strategies, structures or actions for future projects involving supply chain and distribution systems to increase efficiency and impacts, e.g., viability of community supply chain system; priority areas for local capacity building; gaps in management structure and oversight; consumer focus in product distribution and price determination, etc. (Excerpt, modified)