Setting targets

Najibullah Safi, MD, MSc. HPM

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Learning objectives

• Define a target for program planning purpose• List the components of a target• Formulate appropriate targets for defined

objectives

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Definition • Target is the expected result of a set of specific

activities• Targets define measurable amounts of

activities that are required to achieve each objective during the time span of the plan

• Targets are usually annual • Targets allow estimation of the efforts and

resources that must be invested for achieving objectives

• Targets help in tracking progress

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Definition cont.

• Every target has two components– Operational output– Unit of measurement

• Example – to increase to 40%** the proportion of primiparous pregnant women who take ITP* in accordance to the national policy by the year 2014

– A combination of several activities are required to achieve this objective

* Operational output** Unit of measurement

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Targets and interventions

• Disease management:– By the end of 2014, the proportion of patients in

the target group who will have been managed according to the national policy will be 80%

– By the end of 2014, the proportion of referral institutions with fully functioning malaria microscopy capabilities will have been increased by 20 percentage points

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Targets and interventions cont.

• Required activities to achieve the selected targets may include: – Production and distribution of malaria treatment

guideline– Training of staff– Supervision and quality assurance– Information, education and communication– Provision of supplies (e.g. lab reagents, medicines)– Advocacy

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Targets and interventions cont.

• Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy– Objective – reduction of the proportion of low birth

weight infants • Target – by the end of 2014, the proportion of pregnant

women who took ITP according to the national policy will have increased by 20 percentage points

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Targets and interventions cont.

• Vector control – insecticide treated mosquito nets – Objective – reduction of morbidity due to malaria • Target – by the end of 2014, the proportion of target

persons who are reporting of using insecticide treated bed nets, will have increased by 40 percentage points – Required activities – distribution of LLINs, training,

impregnation of untreated nets, IEC, regular assessment of malaria vectors’ susceptibility to insecticides

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Targets and interventions cont.

• Vector control – insecticide residual spraying – Objectives – reduction of the incidence of PF

malaria to zero • Target – by the end of 2014, the proportion of target

household sprayed with a suitable residual insecticide will be 85% – Required activities – determination of the local effectiveness

of the method, mapping of the region, procurement and management of insecticides, recruitment of staff, training, information management, supervision

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Targets and interventions cont.

• Epidemic control – Objective – reduction of mortality due to malaria

epidemics • Target – by the end of 2014, appropriate vector control

measures will be expanded to control 90% of epidemics forecasted or detected in the country – Required activities – identification of areas at risk of malaria

epidemics, active surveillance, development of a functional epidemic detection and response mechanism, training, availability of supplies equipment and personal, preventive interventions to be applied, curative measures for controlling the epidemics

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Learning objectives

• Define a target for program planning purpose• List the components of a target• Formulate appropriate targets for defined

objectives