Strengthening OVC Support in Tanzania: Collaborative Efforts of the USAID Kizazi Hodari (Brave Generation) Southern Zone project and the Government

In response to evolving health challenges in Tanzania, the USAID Kizazi Hodari (Brave Generation) Southern Zone Project (UKHSZ), implemented by Deloitte, focuses on improving the lives of orphans, vulnerable children (OVC), and youth in communities highly affected by HIV. The project encountered challenges, including limited government involvement and a global decrease in OVC PEPFAR funding support causing financial constraints. To address these, Deloitte adopted a collaborative, learning, and adapting (CLA) approach emphasizing external collaboration and continuous learning and improvement with civil society organizations (CSOs), the Government, and other stakeholders. Deloitte closely engaged local government authorities in the project’s planning and implementation leading to the shift from community-based Case Management Coordinators (CMCs) to National Integrated Case Management System (NICMS) focal persons, government-employed extension officers. This transition reduced costs and increased government participation and project ownership. The integration of NICMS focal persons into the project’s implementation followed steps fourfold; joint planning with CSOs and government, pause, reflect, and innovate, piloting the new approach, and replication. This strategy significantly enhanced organizational effectiveness. The government became actively engaged and well-informed on project activities, leading to improved data management, efficient tracking and reporting of outcomes, and the sustainability of project initiatives. Challenges, such as delays in government approvals of NICMS focal persons, were navigated by engaging senior government staff and developing joint action plans with the Government and CSOs. The strategic shift has decreased the cost per beneficiary and enabled the redirection of funds to serve more beneficiaries while fostering stronger government ownership and participation.