Helpdesk Reports
There is a considerable body of evidence on the private provision of healthcare in low- and middle-income countries, often focusing on SSA. However, the evidence base is not robust. Evidence is often mixed and sometimes conflicting and policy implications are unclear. The arguments in favour of private healthcare suggest it is more responsive and efficient,… Read more
Improving student learning outcomes is one of the top priorities for the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology & Sports (MOESTS). Valid and reliable measures of the quality and distribution of student learning outcomes are essential components in the drive for improved education quality. However, improved learning achievement depends not only on the resources invested in… Read more
Research focusing on the links between education, development and social change has a long history; this includes research on higher education investment in low-income countries by external and international development agencies. Analysis of the impact on society of higher education in developing countries emerged alongside post-colonial discourses and modernisation theories. Research generally focused on how… Read more
This briefing outlines findings from operations research to support the refinement of the infant and young child feeding (IYCF) strategy implemented by the Working to Improve Nutrition in Northern Nigeria (WINNN) programme. Key research findings include: The concept of food groups, the unique benefits of feeding foods from each food group and the classification of foods into specific food groups is… Read more
This research identified three key components which can help build resilience to extremism amongst young people and identified support factors that underpin them. These are 1) Making a connection through effective design and a youth-centred approach; 2) Facilitating a safe space for dialogue and positive interaction; and 3) Equipping young people with appropriate capabilities –… Read more
This series of case studies produced by HEART for the UK Department for International Development. Programme experts were consulted in the process through email and phone interviews. Any views and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of DFID or HEART. Each case study contains four sections – the challenge, the impact, research and stakeholders. Case… Read more
This report details the results of a rapid review of the evidence with respect to three aspects of education service delivery in Sierra Leone. Firstly it considers the theory of change for a decentralised approach to improving education outcomes. Secondly, it considers the theory of change for Direct Instruction (DI) Lesson Approach. Thirdly, it considers theory… Read more
This report explores the evidence that online education programmes/tools/apps lead to measurable gains in learning. The strongest evidence comes from a randomised control trial in Malawi. The research reports on a maths tablet intervention that shows significant effects when analysing pre- and post-test data. Another experiment reported in a journal looked at self-organised learning systems… Read more
Experience of large-scale preventive health programming integrated across different sectors was difficult to find within the scope of this report. Resources on large-scale messaging or strategies with some element of integration include: An evaluation of an intersectoral nutrition package in Madagascar. Success of this programme was due to Intersectoral Nutrition Action Groups, harmonisation from a… Read more
This helpdesk provides a rapid analysis on the existing evidence related to effective behaviour change interventions. It has a particular focus on where interventions are related to hygiene and sanitation, nutrition, gender based violence, indoor air pollution, family planning adoption, unsafe sex, motor vehicle driving. The geographic focus is Malawi, but where necessary it draws… Read more
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) was the main case study identified for this report. KEMSA reformed in 2008 to increase autonomy from the government. A task force identified interference with the management of KEMSA, lack of autonomy due to heavy representation by Ministry of Health staff, ineffective accountability and supervisory mechanisms, and parallel procurement… Read more