Review
The Cesta Básica project was implemented by the Ministry of Health (MISAU) from Mozambique at the end of 2009 to support people with HIV/AIDS and on antiretroviral therapy (ART), as well as tuberculosis patients, with a basic food basket through vouchers. The main objective was to support patients with nutritional needs, improving their health. In a first phase on paper, the vouchers now also have an electronic component (the MISAU approved that the WFP test a modality of electronic vouchers, or e-vouchers, based on debit cards).
About three years later, LBC analyzed the evolution of the pilot project. In order to properly evaluate the IT components of the Cesta Básica program, LBC's focus was not limited to the technology itself, it also took into account the stakeholders (interested parties) that use it, as well as the processes that guarantee the operation suitable for the model. In other words, it carried out an integrated analysis of the three dimensions: stakeholders, processes and technology. The main objective was to provide an accurate assessment of the e-voucher and debit card pilot projects from an IT perspective, allowing for the expansion of the implementation of the Basic Basket. And, given that the project would be transferred from MISAU to the Ministry of Women and Social Action (MMAS), the evaluation also provided information to support the transfer process to MMAS (and its implementation partner, the National Institute of Social Action from Mozambique).
Immediate improvement
Based on the information collected in the field visits, in the documents provided, in the meetings and sessions held with stakeholders, and taking into account that the expansion of the Basic Basket to other districts of Mozambique was expected, the possibility of an immediate improvement in terms of (USSD/SMS), more viable taking into account the context of the country (due to instability or lack of internet connection via mobile phone). And recommendations were made for a gradual and planned technological evolution, such as the elimination of paper support for vouchers, for e-vouchers only, with a consequent improvement in processes.