Ensuring Lasting Impact

UNICEF's Regional Synthesis Report, focusing on Eastern and Southern Africa, underscores the critical role of embedding program sustainability in all of its development efforts. This approach is deeply aligned with UNICEF's mission, which is committed not only to achieving immediate results but also to securing long-term, positive changes that will enrich the lives of children and future generations in the region.

The report analyzes 82 evaluations conducted during UNICEF's previous Strategic Plan period from 2018 to 2021. It provides a detailed compilation of successful practices, identifies challenges, and shares critical lessons learned. This comprehensive assessment reflects UNICEF's commitment to creating a lasting impact in the lives of children across Eastern and Southern Africa, ensuring that they grow up in environments that nurture their potential and protect their rights.

The Synthesis identifies five critical best practices for program sustainability:

• Health: Integrating approaches and collaboration with government and community leaders for enduring health programs.
• Education: Fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, gender mainstreaming, and adaptable human-resource strategies for sustainable outcomes, especially in emergencies.
• Child Protection: Building sustainable partnerships, enhancing capacity, and securing public financing to establish national social safety nets.
• Water and Sanitation: Ensuring functional water sources, integration into multi-sector partnerships, community involvement, and accountability for sustainable WASH interventions.
• Social Protection: Developing adaptable guidelines and frameworks, information management systems, and long-term, predictable financing for sustained impact.