Objective
Khulisa, in consortium with JIMAT, carried out a midline evaluation of rural households and
communities in Zimbabwe at the mid-point of the World Banks’s Health sector project on Results
Based Financing for Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Services. The primary objective of the
midline was to provide current trends and information on household characteristics, household
consumption, knowledge on maternal and child health, health status and utilization, sexual activity,
awareness and use of family planning methods, immunization and nutritional status of young
children, and knowledge and behavior regarding HIV/AIDS and Malaria. The data was utilized by the
World Bank Evaluation Team and the Ministry of Health (MoHCC) to assess the impact of the
intervention on key household characteristics.
Specific objectives of the midline were to:
- Benchmark indicators using the proposed project output and outcomes.
- Verify and review assumptions made during the Results Based Financing project design
Approach
The midline evaluation of the Zimbabwe Results-Based Financing (RBF) project employed a
structured and systematic approach to ensure robust data collection and evaluation. The survey
design was modeled on the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) and employed
systematic sampling to select households. Specialized teams comprising experienced enumerators
and supervisors were organized to collect data in 166 enumeration areas (EAs) across the country.
Two training workshops were held to prepare the field teams, focusing on questionnaire
administration, anthropometric measurement techniques, and troubleshooting common challenges.
Pre-testing ensured the refinement of tools and methodologies before deployment. The survey also
involved close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) and local leaders to
ensure adherence to protocols, smooth operations, and the involvement of local stakeholders. Data
entry and quality control were supported by the use of CS-PRO software to enhance accuracy and
efficiency.
Impact:
The midline evaluation highlighted enhanced knowledge and behaviors among women regarding
maternal health, family planning, and HIV prevention. Communities benefited from better
immunization coverage, child nutrition monitoring, and increased trust in healthcare services. This
evidence not only affirmed the feasibility of RBF policies in Zimbabwe but also contributed valuable
insights for replicating such models in similar contexts