Review of the ESSENCE on Health Research Initiative

Overview

This paper summarises the findings of a review of the ESSENCE for Health Initiative (Enhancing Support for Strengthening the Effectiveness of National Capacity Efforts), established in 2008.  This is the first performance review of the initiative, colloquially referred to as ESSENCE@7.   The purpose of the review is to take stock of ESSENCE achievements and challenges over time, with a view to reflecting on learning points for moving forward. 

The review used largely qualitative methods, key informant interviews and document content analysis.  The evaluation framework was built around three main thematic blocks:  Structure & Composition, Performance and Governance.  Standard OECD/DAC criteria were applied to the examination of performance.