Among the results that Sikika is looking from the Social Accountability Monitoring, is to enhance citizens’ voices in health services provision at their localities. To achieve this, the training on SAM include participants from the different representation of the society, such as women, people with disabilities, youth, leaders and health workers. Through many years of implementing the SAM, one main result is the activeness of citizens seen through monitoring of health services and voicing their voices through various local platforms like community meetings. For instance, during International Women Day the voices of activeness of citizens’ were collected from different women who have received SAM training and form part of SAM team members.
Their voices reflected activeness in monitoring health services as per below quotes; -
"We had challenges in accessing information regarding the availability of medicines at Masoko HC, I took initiative to reach out to the In-charge and he convened a staff meeting to that effect. My action helped to change the situation as of now the information is displayed” – Anastansia Lawi – SAM team member – Kilwa"
"I participate in planning and budgeting and I will continue to do so because it is my right and responsibility, and of my fellow citizens, so that we can plan forward in bringing the solution to the challenges that we face in our localities”- Salama Salumu- SAM team member - Kondoa."
"I speak openly and confidently and by following laws and by-laws. My views and that of others have contributed to the improvement in HIV/AIDS services. The services are available and community understanding of HIV/AIDs has increased compared to a few years back” – Tabu Samila – SAM team member – Mpwapwa."
"As women, we have so many challenges in reproductive health, but due to the SAM training that I have received, I continue to participate in community meetings and educating and promoting women’s participation in planning and budgeting and voicing out their voices so our challenges could be worked on towards improvement of maternal, reproductive and child health” – Oliva Mgeni – SAM team member – Mbeya Urban."
Meanwhile, in Nyamagana, Ukerewe, and Magu districts citizens have continued to report progress from different health facilities. For instance, in 2019, the trained SAM team members conducted field visits with minimum support from Sikika. They shared a report on the progress of the agreed action plan and it showed improvement in several areas. Some of the improvements include; placement of 5 new suggestion boxes in five facilities which didn’t have before SAM which will contribute to the improvement in complaints mechanisms system; the availability of medicines which has increased to 90% from 85% in two years due to collaborative efforts of government and its districts stakeholders.
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