WHO Sierra Leone boosted its results-based management (RBM) practice and is geared to be one of the leading countries in implementing results-based management (RBM) on practical ways to ensure a learning culture is deepened in WHO program management.  WHO Sierra Leone successfully conducted a planning workshop from July 2 to July 4, 2024, significantly strengthening the capacity of technical staff in results-based management (RBM) with a focus on Result-based reporting (RBR). This workshop empowered WHO to plan, implement, monitor and report using the RBM approach.  The workshop culminated into the drafting of 2024-2025 semi-annual monitoring 1 and impactful success stories, thereby enhancing WHO's visibility, donor trust, and overall effectiveness in improving health outcomes in Sierra Leone.

The workshop was also an opportunity for joint Prioritization of GPW14 outcomes and outputs with the Ministry of Health (MoH), where 70 participants identified strategic priorities to advance health equity and resilience in a turbulent world, a global health agenda for 2025-2028 for Sierra Leoneans.

The joint prioritization exercise was a response to the Member States' request while approving the fourteenth General Program of Work (GPW 14) during the 77^th WHA in May 2024.  The Involvement of Member States and partners in defining actions needed to get the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on track while impacting the changes of life of the population at the country level is critical.

Weak results-based management practices and culture evident by inadequate capacity in planning and results-based reporting was limiting the demonstration of impact and visibility of WHO’s contributions in the country. This challenge hindered the ability to communicate achievements fully and compellingly and could potentially impact on donor trust and confidence. As the first Semi-Annual Monitoring (SAM 1) period approached, it became clear that there was an urgent need to build capacity, review progress, and plan for the next quarter to ensure the successful implementation of the 2024-2025 Biennial Operational Plan.

To address these challenges, the staff of WHO in Sierra Leone received a comprehensive briefing on key principles of results-based reporting, thanks to the AFRO/PBM colleagues who undertook an in-person mission in the country. They drafted success stories, which were refined through group work and peer review sessions.  Capacity building in result-based reporting was inspired by the Regional Director, Dr Moeti, during the recent town hall meeting on May 13, 2024, and is aligned with the goal of the WHO Director General, Dr Tedros, of ensuring measurable impact in countries. “WHO needs to better demonstrate how its activities and outputs make a plausible contribution to the health outcomes it seeks to achieve.”

The next steps include the review and endorsement of GPW14 priorities by the Minister of Health and publishing success stories to highlight WHO Sierra Leone's achievements and best practices. The PBM unit will continue to collaborate with WHO in Sierra Leone to support the country in applying the RBM principles to ensure impactful interventions.