1. Real-World Challenges of M&E

2. Objectives Outline the “real-world” challenges of conducting program monitoring and evaluation. Identify practical and feasible solutions to overcome these challenges. Highlight resources for ACSM or M&E technical assistance.

3. Challenge: Donor requirements Demand detailed monitoring data beyond what are routinely available without providing a budget to collect it. Request impact evaluation for ACSM activities without providing sufficient budget for a rigorous study.

4. Challenge: No baseline data Infer baseline status from a secondary source. Identify a control group and compare differences between cases and controls.

5. Challenge: Not enough money Simplify the design. Use existing data (program reviews, etc.). Use a historical comparison group rather than collecting new data. Reduce sample size; accept greater degree of uncertainty in findings. Reduce costs of data collection and analysis. Limit analysis to simple quantitative measures.

6. Challenge: Not enough time Consider rapid data collection methods (focus group discussions, etc.). Hire more staff on a temporary basis. Use existing data sources, such as routine reports. Reduce sample size; accept a greater degree of uncertainty in findings.

7. Challenge: Not enough political will for comprehensive evaluation Engage stakeholders in the process to reduce resistance. Secure access to data as part of the planning process, before starting the evaluation. Establish a dissemination plan in advance to address concerns about transparency in sharing information.

8. TB Technical Assistance Mechanism (TBTEAM) Global coalition of countries, partners, and funders. Coordinates technical assistance to countries with Global Fund grants (requests from NTP, Country Coordinating Mechanisms, WHO). —Matches consultant with need; can apply for TBTEAM to cover costs of visit. —List of available experts. http://www.stoptb.org/countries/tbteam/

9. TB Reach Main objective is to increase early case detection and ensure complete treatment. Focus on reaching people who have limited or no access to TB services and/or who are coming from poor areas. Grants up to US$1 million for one year. http://www.stoptb.org/global/awards/tbreach/ about.asp

10. Stop TB Partnership’s “Challenge Facility for Civil Society” Mission: Provide support to community-based organizations engaged in advocacy and social mobilization. From US$5,000 to US$20,000. For organizations wanting to influence policy at local levels by giving a voice to people affected by TB and those involved in its diagnosis, treatment, and care. http://www.stoptb.org/global/awards/cfcs/ about.asp

11. ACSM Subgroup Technical Assistance Global Fund recipients with ACSM scope. Apply for short-term ACSM consultation. http://www.stoptb.org/countries/acsm/ application.asp