Measuring Success Toolkit: Using Data for Health Program Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Launched in June 2012, this capacity-building toolkit provides guidance on how to use data to plan a health programme and to measure its success through monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Basic introductions are provided throughout the toolkit, as well as a glossary of planning and M&E terms. Through a simple step-by-step approach, the toolkit explains the fundamental differences between monitoring and evaluation and gives a useful perspective on the types of questions that M&E can answer. The toolkit also provides more in-depth information about key M&E topics, including frameworks, indicators, data sources, study designs for evaluation and sharing, and using data by applying knowledge management and data demand and use principles. Links to resources that have been selected by M&E experts are also provided for those with more experience or those needing to delve into further details and specific examples. The selected resources reflect the most up-to-date body of knowledge in particular areas that relate specifically to planning, monitoring, and evaluating health programmes. Information can be found in these ways:

1. Tabs - Browse for information and resources by clicking through the horizontal tabs running along the top of the web pages. Each thematic tab gives an overview of key points about the topic. Under each tab, the reader may also access links to additional resources.
2. Resources by Health Topics - Find resources and tools for specific health programming areas - such as family planning/reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, maternal and child health, water and sanitation, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases - by clicking on the health topic(s) of interest via the sidebar on the right-hand side of the online toolkit.
3. Search engine - Type search terms in the search box located in the top right header to find specific information or resources.
4. Site map - Located in the top right corner for those wanting to understand the layout of the toolkit and link to a specific section.

This resource comes from the Measurement, Learning & Evaluation (MLE) Project, which is the evaluation component of the Urban Reproductive Health Initiative, a multi-country programme in India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal that aims to improve the health of the urban economically poor. The goal of the MLE project is to promote evidence-based decision-making in the design of integrated family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) interventions for the Urban RH Initiative.

Editor's note: In 2014, the site was updated with new tools and resources and integrated with the MLE website. For step-by-step guidance on how to use the new toolkit, visit the Toolkit Video Tutorial. To suggest resources or to request the toolkit in CD-ROM, please email contactus@urbanreproductivehealth.org.