CCIH 30×30 Midterm Evaluation Highlights Significant Impact and Global Reach
By Carolyn O’Brien, CCIH Program Manager
Thanks to the CCIH 30×30 Health Systems Initiative, over 6 million individuals have been reached through various health programs, and we are only halfway through.
CCIH launched the 30×30 Health Systems Initiative in 2019 with the ambitious goal of strengthening 30 health systems globally by 2030 through faith-based health services. CCIH led a midterm evaluation of the initiative between May to October 2024 to assess progress, identify gaps and challenges, and make necessary mid-course adjustments.
The 30×30 Health Systems Initiative focuses on enhancing the six World Health Organization (WHO) health system building blocks: health workforce, leadership and governance, service delivery, access to essential medicines, health information systems, and financing. Recognizing the pivotal role of community services, CCIH added it as an additional building block. One commitment maker mentioned, “Having our clear commitments under each building block has given us… good goalposts for what we’re working towards.”
As of September 2024, the initiative has garnered 46 commitments contributing to one or more health system building blocks. The midterm evaluation revealed the large impact of the program on individuals, households, local church partners, and more, and it also resulted in recommendations to strengthen the initiative outlined below. Check out the midterm evaluation report here.
CCIH Program Manager Carolyn O’Brien presents on the 30×30 Health Systems Initiative at the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting & Expo 2024.
Methodology
A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data from primary and secondary sources. Secondary data analysis focused on achievements across individual, institutional, community, and health system levels, aligning with the socio-ecological model. Primary data collection involved 13 key informant interviews with staff from commitment-making FBOs, CCIH leadership, technical experts, and supporting interns.
Key Findings
Quantitative Results:
- Individual Level: Over 6 million individuals have been reached through various health programs, enhancing access and utilization of health services. Notably, maternal, neonatal, and child health programs have impacted over 980,000 households.
- Institutional Level: Approximately 11,000 institutions have received support for a wide range of technical activities, bolstering their capacity to deliver quality health services.
- Community Level: Nearly 4,500 church groups have actively participated in health-related community activities, underscoring the integral role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in community health initiatives.
- System Level: The initiative has fostered over 290 partnerships between FBOs and other sectors, aiming to create more robust and resilient health systems.
30×30 commitment maker International Care Ministries (ICM) in the Philippines trains community health workers – like Pastor Ezekiel shown above – to help carry out health work in remote areas not served by government or other health services. See this blog for more about the work of ICM and the Christian Health Association of Nigeria through the 30×30 initiative.
Qualitative Results:
Thematic analysis from key informant interviews revealed several insights:
- Strengths: The initiative has fostered a global perspective, allowing for shared learning and collaboration among FBOs from different regions. Another significant strength was using a well-developed framework and standardized indicators across partner organizations leading to annual aggregated measures of improved health outcomes. This is highlighted in the quote below:
- “The reporting has helped us to be more thoughtful about some of the work we’re doing and the way we’re talking about it.” – A commitment maker focusing on Leadership and Governance
- Challenges: Commitment makers faced obstacles such as limited resources, data collection challenges, and the need for enhanced coordination among stakeholders.
- Opportunities: There is potential to leverage the collective impact of FBOs to mobilize resources and further strengthen health systems.
Recommendations
Based on the evaluation findings, several recommendations were proposed. Here is a summary of the main themes:
- Enhance Funding and Donor Engagement: Mobilizing donor interest by better showcasing the initiative’s impact and potential.
- Strengthen Capacity Building: Provide targeted training and resources to FBOs to enhance their ability to deliver quality health services.
- Foster Collaboration: Encourage greater collaboration among FBOs, governments, and other stakeholders to maximize resource utilization and impact.
- Increase Advocacy Efforts: Amplify advocacy to raise global awareness of the critical role FBOs play in health system strengthening.
Significance
The initiative has reached millions, supported thousands of institutions, and engaged numerous community groups, demonstrating the vital role of FBOs in global health.
One aspect that makes 30×30 unique is that it is a long-term voluntary, commitment-based effort (without attached funding). Forty percent of commitment makers have been participating since 30×30’s inception. This is not as common in international development but is the foundation of this initiative.
Another significant part of this initiative is the development and consistent use of standard indicators for health system strengthening. These indicators have been applicable to various levels of the socio-ecological model and various types of commitments. Lastly, 30×30 has been, in some ways, like a meta-study of collaborative investment in Christian healthcare. Commitment makers appreciate seeing how their programs, whatever the size, contribute to the greater goal of Christ’s healing ministry.
One commitment maker said, “I feel that there is a global impact, and I’m not doing something alone.” The sense of unity and collective impact that comes from an initiative like this is especially important during this difficult season for the global health community.