Haiti State University blindness prevention program: perspective of power relations in partnerships

Session Details

Session Title: Orbis Free Paper Session: Treatment and Prevention of Blindness in the Developing World

Session Date/Time: Monday 09/10/2017 | 12:30-13:00

Paper Time: 12:48

Venue: Meeting Center Room III

First Author: : Y.Zelenski CANADA

Co Author(s): :    D. Eisenmann                    

Abstract Details

"Purpose:

The aim of this paper is to assess power relations between the stakeholders involved in residency training program in ophthalmology in Haiti, 2009-2017.The paper examines theory of change to better understand expected outcomes and delineate a boundary of responsibilities to strengthen collaboration between funders and in the field.

Setting:

The ophthalmology department of National University Hospital , Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of State University Hospital , Port-au-Prince Haiti along with network of affiliated teaching rural hospitals (N=3), providing surgical eye care.

Methods:

The key methodology for this paper includes literature, documents and project reports review, modelling of country blindness prevention program and modeling strategic logical framework. Qualitative and quantitative analysis used triangulation of multiple sources of data, synthesis of information and contextual interpretation of findings.

Results:

The review demonstrated that the promotion of blindness prevention in Haiti is a complex phenomenon; it could be seen as interaction of multiple protective and risk factors over a time that could be described, standardized and measured to different extent. The program logic reflects governance and power relation between stakeholders; it defines each program element within the project/program management cycle in relation to expected outcomes and measurable indicators. Stratification of indicators in three clusters: (1) input metrics; (2) governance-process control metrics; (3) strategic metrics: mid and long-term outcomes.Such metrics put boundaries on level of stakeholders’ responsibilities for result.

Conclusions:

Respectful, working partnership contributes to the effective management and accountability. Common understanding of country blindness prevention program as whole, assures collection of relevant data and evidence for decision making, and also harmonizes the stakeholders’ effort. Application of strategic performance measurement framework allows each partner to plan their businesses in terms of available budget, input, process, expected output and outcomes toward the common goal and objectives, within their mandates and line of responsibilities for results. The authors’ opinion is based on independent project review and evidence, and could be different from point of view of other key stakeholders.

Financial Disclosure:

None"