CARHAP Management Information System (MIS)

CARHAP developed a Management Information System (MIS) that  allows the storage, processing and analysis of all M&E data collected from existing sources or through special M&E tools.

The efficient management of the M&E data collected in the context of CARHAP programme implementation requires the establishment of a computer-based Management Information System (MIS). The MIS aims to facilitate the systematic collection, organisation, analysis and dissemination of M&E data and information for decision making, planning and programme implementation.

The CARHAP MIS is customised to the specific information needs of the programme management, National Implementing Partners and implementing Harm Reduction Service Organizations.

The MIS is using computer-based interface linked with CARHAP data-collection tools and external data sources (MOVs) with a central database. Where possible, implementing service providers will be trained and provided with the necessary hardware and software to allow web-based data entry into the central CARHAP computer system.

Programme sites with limited connectivity may enter M&E data through CD-ROMs and forward them on a regular basis to the NIP, which will submit the data to the central MIS.

If computer-based data-entry and reporting is not feasible – such as in remote oblasts with limited connectivity and where partner HRSOs lack basic computer skills – paper-based systems will complement the computerised MIS. Completed paper forms will be sent on a regular basis to the NIP, which will enter his data into the CARHAP MIS.

Key principles of the MIS are:

• Simplicity and user-friendliness
• Redundancy: multiple data-entry mechanisms (Web; CD-ROM; paper-based)
• Robustness
• Basic local capacity for trouble-shooting the MIS
• Compatibility with national M&E system (allow data sharing).

The last criterion – compatibility with the national M&E system – is directly linked to the delivery of Key Output 3.

Development of unified HR M&E system (output 3)

CARHAP’s Key Output 3 involves the development of a unified M&E framework for harm-reduction programmes, which will contribute to the overall joint National M&E systems that are currently being developed in all three CARHAP countries.

The delivery of this Output is directly linked to the development and roll out of the CARHAP programme M&E system described in the previous sections. The development of a Unique Identifier Code (UIC), M&E tools, reporting mechanisms and MIS, and their implementation by all CARHAP-funded HRSOs (including in prisons) lays the basis for a unified, joint M&E system in the field of harm reduction interventions.

Throughout the development of its programme M&E system, CARHAP will actively engage other stakeholders – notably Republican AIDS Centres and other governmental institutions; UNAIDS, CAAP, CAPACITY project; CDC Almaty; and GFATM managers (PRs) – to discuss the contribution and compatibility of the CARHAP M&E system with those of other stakeholders and partners.

CARHAP will systematically monitor the roll out and implementation of its M&E system among the implementing HRSOs and NIPs, and document the lessons learned. These will be shared with national and regional stakeholders.

Specifically, CARHAP will organise national Roundtables with these stakeholders, including harm-reduction service organisations that do NOT implement CARHAP grants, to discuss the M&E lessons learned in the context of CARHAP. These roundtables are meant to be platforms for advocating for a unified approach to monitoring and evaluating HR programmes, based on the experiences within CARHAP’s M&E system.

Sharing CARHAP M&E data with stakeholders

In addition to CARHAP’s formal internal reporting, programme M&E data will also be systematically shared with key stakeholders.

Most importantly, CARHAP M&E data will be made systematically available to NIPs and implementing HRSOs, to ensure the available information can be used for programme planning and implementation. In addition to these feedback mechanisms, the direct sharing of data and information between CARHAP NIPs and HRSOs will also be encouraged.

Furthermore, CARHAP M&E data will be shared on a regular basis with other key stakeholders, including Republican and Oblast AIDS Centres, as well as key national partners and stakeholders, such as UN and donor agencies, and other HIV/AIDS projects. In this manner, CARHAP aims to contribute to the joint National M&E Systems that are being developed, as well as to the unification of M&E approaches in the context of harm-reduction service delivery.

To enable the efficient reporting and sharing of M&E data and information as described above, CARHAP will develop and implement a user-friendly Management Information System (MIS).