Report of the mid-term evaluation of the Transformation Agenda of the WHO Secretariat in the African Region - Executive summary, May 2017
The Transformation Agenda1 of the World Health Organization Secretariat in the African Region 2015-2020 was launched by the Regional Director for Africa in February 2015. Its objective is to ensure that the WHO Secretariat in the African Region evolves into the primary leader in health development in Africa and is a reliable and effective protector of Africa’s health stock.
The Transformation Agenda has four focus areas: pro-results values, smart technical focus, responsive strategic operations and effective communications and partnerships. The managerial, programmatic and governance themes of the ongoing WHO global reform were factored into its development. It is not only a commitment to positive change in the Regional Office but also a programme for accelerating the implementation of WHO global reform within the Region, with each focus area closely aligned with specific outcomes of the WHO global reform programme.
The Transformation Agenda aims to be bold, ambitious and seeks to engender a regional health organization that is foresighted, proactive, responsive, results-driven, transparent, accountable, appropriately resourced and equipped to deliver on its mandate. The Transformation Agenda also responds to increased expectations of Member States and regional and global stakeholders for a change in the way WHO does business in the African Region. There is anticipation of accelerated implementation and institutionalization of the WHO reform agenda as well as improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of actions in line with the Organization’s mandate. Stakeholders want to see an appropriately resourced and equipped WHO that is responsive and effective in strengthening national health systems; coordinating disease prevention and control, including outbreak preparedness and response; and launching supranational actions in support of global health security. Whilst it is a vision and a strategy for change aimed at facilitating the emergence of “the WHO that the staff and stakeholders want”, its success will depend on the commitment and cooperation of staff, Member States and partners.
