Evaluation of MSF's Visceral Leishmaniasis Project in Gedaref State, Sudan

MSF-OCG has been working in Sudan since 2004 and specifically on Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) since 2010, working in Gedaref State from a VL ward in the MoH Tabarak Allah Hospital (TBK) and since 2016 also from the Bazura Hospital. The original objectives of the project in 2009 were to improve the medical outcomes for the population affected by VL in Gedaref State through the provision of free and comprehensive treatment, improving diagnostic and treatment procedures, provision of technical support and assuring an adequate response by partners to allow for eventual MSF disengagement. 

The Project was reviewed in 2013-2014.  A decision was taken to continue the project because of the risk of new epidemic surges and the possible shortage of drugs should that occur. The log frame in 2014 demonstrated that the project’s objectives had not changed appreciably: However, it was agreed that an external evaluation of the project was needed, the main objective being to make recommendations on whether MSF shall keep supporting the Tabarak Allah Hospital (located in a high incidence area but with difficult accessibility) or should reposition its support: either in a more central location, or through a horizontal approach to different facilities or through a combination of both. The specific objectives and key evaluation questions were designed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current strategy on how the project could better fulfill the operational objectives of its intervention in Gedaref state, which are related to better access to VL services (including diagnostic, treatment and research capacity).

Document Author(s)
This publication was produced at the request of MSF OCG, under the management of the Vienna Evaluation Unit. It was prepared independently by Lawrence Gelmon.
Publication date
07.03.2018