The revision of matrix of development partner support to the Health Sector in Vietnam

1. The revision of matrix of development partner support to the Health Sector in Vietnam Hanoi, 8 September 2010 HPG Secretariat, MoH

2. Outline • Background • Introduction • Achievements • Preliminary results from database 2010 • Lessons learnt • Revised format and manual • Strategy of data analysis and usage

3. Background • Development of database corresponds to milestone 1 of SOI (10 milestones endorsed at HPG March 2009) • Based on core principles of Hanoi Core Statement-localized version of Paris Declaration • Close linkage with other milestones, including • MS6: Review of transparency, timeliness and accuracy of financial information provided by partners • MS7: Expenditure framework linked with 5-year plan (should capture external as well as internal resources) • MS9: Assessment of degree to which DP support is aligned with 5-year health plan • Strong endorsement for this activity from MOH leaders and DPs to enhance mutual trust and understanding, and improve coordination in the health sector

4. Introduction Purpose of Database • Record all support from development partners in the health sector, including not only ODA projects and program support, but also funds for technical assistance, as well as to INGOs and other agencies outside of MoH

5. Introduction Objectives • Obtain a comprehensive picture of development partner support to the health sector and overall future trends, including: • Volume (esp. as MIC status reached) • Nature of financing (e.g. grant vs loan) • Serve as source of information for (financing) gap analysis for five year health plan 2011-15 and subsequent MTEF and annual plans, including funding allocation disaggregated by: • Province/locality • Year • Priority area (as defined by 5-year health plan) The exercise should be repeated annually and become an integral part of the planning process

6. Achievements Process from Jun 2009-Aug 2010 (1) • Ongoing process since June 2009 led by HPG Secretariat • Initially 4-stage implementation process proposed: • Develop the Matrix in Excel format (data collection form), • Once data on partners’ activities is collected, develop an integrated database (in software format) • Upload the database to the MOH’s website. • Maintain and update contents of the database and the Webpage • The exercise has drawn from several sources • Initial report prepared by the UN in 2008 on "How external support for health and HIV will evolve as Viet Nam becomes a middle income country". • Decree 131 on ODA management and aligned Monitoring Tool (AMT) for ODA management • SIDA compendium on projects in the health sector

7. Achievements Process from Jun 2009-Aug 2010 (2) • Development of first format through consultation with key stakeholders: MOH DPF, MPI and interested DPs (Pathfinder Int., US, EC, WB, ADB, UNFPA, WHO) • Final format approved by MOH February 2010; two parts • General information • Financial information (disaggregated by year and priority area of the sector, based on key areas of five year health plan and JAHR)

8. Preliminary Results Process from Jun 2009-Aug 2010 (3) Piloting first version of data collection tool • Questionnaire and corresponding guidelines sent to all HPG members in 1st Quarter 2010 • Preliminary results presented HPG Jun 2010 By May 2010 • HPG Secretariat received response from 24 DPs with information covering 265 projects/ programs. • Raw information analysed and sent to few DPs for checking and comment. • Initial analysis presented at HPG Jun 2010

9. Preliminary Results Preliminary results 1: total value of support for ongoing programs/projects in 2010 and beyond

10. Preliminary Results Preliminary results 2: estimated funding per type of financing 2005-2010 (million USD)

11. Challenges Challenges (1) A. Completion of the database by DPs: • General information (part A) completed successfully overall, though double counting still a risk • Difficulties encountered in completing financial information (part B); aggregate figures provided for each program/project • Lack of forward expenditure information per year: fear that the information they provide will be taken as commitments, rather than non-binding estimates? • Lack of disaggregation per priority area/building blocks • Exercise time consuming as disaggregated information may need to be collected from implementing partners, e.g. in MOH

12. Challenges Challenges (2) B. Conception of the database • Format still inadequate • Disaggregation per national targeted programs and other areas necessary (not only general areas such as human resources, preventive network, etc.) • Difficulty of coming up with adequate categories for classifying expenditure, particularly when it becomes necessary to cross information. For eg, crossing information on general area (e.g. human resources), with more specific area (NTP, disease area, etc.) • Five year plan structure has not yet been completed, therefore not easy to define categories • Challenge in striking a balance between obtaining sufficiently detailed information and not making it too difficult for partners to complete.

13. Challenges Challenges (3) • Different partners have different accounting systems • Different views amongst partners: need to get everyone on board, yet it is impossible to develop a database with a format that pleases everyone/responds to everyone's needs. • Coordination with other departments/active participation of stakeholders C. Timely completion of the exercise: • Time constraints to carry out adequate consultation on the format, and at the same time disseminate the database to be completed, so that the analysis could be carried out before the end of the year.

14. Process since 2009 Recommendations Recommendations from HPG June 2010 • Emphasis that figures provided are INDICATIVE only, not commitments • ACTUAL as well as planned expenditure should be recorded in database • Database should not seek to record actual expenditure before 2009: time consuming and often not possible for DPs • Need to ensure database can be used by partners in their planning process, and is thus useful to them • Database format should be in line with existing GoV budget format and reflect MOH priorities outlined in five year health plan • Exercise should be institutionalized and carried out yearly

15. Matrix Revision Matrix revision: methods and format A. Methods • Lessons learnt from pilot • Recommendations from HPG • Consultation with interested development partners • Interviews and discuss with DPF • Internal discussion among Secretariat • Example of other countries, i.e. Nepal. B. Format (see files) • Revision of indicators • Draft five year plan as the basis for revision

16. Strategy for Data Collection and Analysis