STRATEGIC PLAN 2002-2006

The ECSA (formerly known as CRHCS ) strategic planning process consisted of an extensive organizational structural review and a critical re-examination of its programme focus and programme delivery processes. Subsequently, ECSA has refocused its strategic direction in order to position the region to cope more effectively with the challenges of the new millennium.

Strategic Planning Process
ECSA staff produced an initial draft plan after extensive discussion and consultations over several workshops. The draft was then presented to all programme steering committees for input and comments. The validation process includes the Ministerial Conference, the Directors Joint Consultative Committee, and individual member states to ensure that the plan addresses the regional priorities that are important to member states.

ECSA will focus on helping member states to strengthen the infrastructure for addressing health issues. Consequently, its theme for the plan period - 1999 to 2004 - is:

'Strengthening the regional platform for addressing health challenges in ESCA'.

In an effort to streamline its activities and ensure optimization of its limited resources, ECSA has:

• Established specific criteria to guide the selection of programmes to be undertaken
  
• Defined priority areas in which to focus programme activities
  
• Strengthened programme delivery to incorporate effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms
  
• Initiated an institutional strengthening process to support the execution of proposed strategic objectives.

Programme Selection Criteria
Programme selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Regional- Programmes that lend themselves to regional collaboration, i.e. regional in scope or prevalence
  
• Potential for impact - Programmes that are relevant, and have a measurable impact.
  
• Comparative advantage - Programmes areas in which ECSA brings a comparative advantage and are not duplicated by member states.
  
• Capacity - Programme areas in which ECSA can mobilize sustainable capacity.
  

Programme Focus
In line with the criteria defined during the planning process, ECSA proposes to undertake the following activities over the duration of its five-year strategic plan:

Capacity Building
ECSA will concentrate capacity building efforts on Human Resource Development and Strengthening of Health Systems and Processes.

Policy and Advocacy
ECSA plans to facilitate the development of advocacy skills within member states in order to increase understanding of the role of policy, and to also influence policy development, analysis and implementation in support of better health initiatives. The secretariat will promote development and sharing of evidence-based best practices through information exchange, lessons learnt and technical exchanges.

Information Collection, Repackaging and Dissemination
Member states have expressed a need for relevant and timely information to increase their ability to make better health related decisions. ECSA is uniquely placed to collect information from a variety of sources, repackage it to suit regional needs and disseminate it to member states. The secretariat will improve service delivery at country level by strengthening country focal points of contact and position ECSA at the cutting edge of information sharing on regional health issues.

Collaboration and Networking
ECSA will also actively strengthen its collaboration and linkages with member states, professional networks and other agencies, in order to streamline and co-ordinate inputs and activities at the regional and national levels. The secretariat has developed an exemplary collaborative agreement with USAID/REDSO that will serve as a model for future alliances.

Programme Delivery
CRHCS' framework for programme delivery incorporates the following characteristics:

• A corporate centred approach to program planning and implementation to maximize internal efficiency and co-ordination
  
• Development of collaborative strategies with member states, country networks and other organizations in order to maximize resource utilization and avoid duplication
  
• Processes for external validation of program activities by member states and other stakeholders
  
• Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to facilitate periodic review of implementation and impact.
  

Institutional Strengthening
CRHCS has initiated a process that will lay the groundwork for organizational effectiveness and productivity. The institutional strengthening process encompasses:

• Review of all management systems, including accounting, financial, procurement and personnel
  
• Adoption of the programme budgeting approach to increase accountability and conform to international standards of operation
  
• Establishment of an Information Communication Technology Department to improve communication and information processes with member states
  
• Strengthening of operational links with the Advisory Committee and other ECSA policy-making organs.

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