Evaluating the Effectiveness of Monitoring and Evaluation in Public Health Projects: A Case Study of the Ministry of Health’s Malaria Elimination Project Phase 4 in Lusaka District

Public health projects play a critical role in improving population health outcomes, especially in low and middle-income countries where disease burdens are high and health system resources are often limited. Despite significant investments and interventions, the outcomes of public health projects such as the MEP vary across regions and populations. One of the critical factors influencing project success is the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems. This research sought to evaluate the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation in public health projects. The study was addressed by the following objectives; To establish the M&E activities implemented in the Malaria elimination project under the Ministry of Health; To assess the effectiveness of M&E tools and frameworks in tracking project performance; To identify challenges faced in the implementation of M&E activities. A sample size of 80 respondents was selected to help provide data, and the research utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods, surveys and focus group discussions, and the research design used was the case study research design. Key findings highlighted a broad range of challenges such as financial challenges where 18.75% showed inadequate funding for M&E activities, 30%showed delayed disbursement of project funds, 23.75% showed limited budget for data. collection tools, 21.25% showed donor dependency for M&E financing, and 6.25% showed no financial challenges experienced. Other challenges were technical challenges where 15% had poor internet or network connectivity, 27% had inadequate data collection tools or software, 28% had frequent system breakdowns (e.g., DHIS2), 21% had inability to use digital tools effectively, and 9% had no major technical challenges faced. Despite these challenges, the respondents gave positive feedback on the malaria elimination projects implemented in their areas. This study shows the various M&E activities implemented in the Malaria elimination project under the Ministry of Health, the effectiveness of M&E tools and frameworks in tracking project performance. The findings suggest that there is need of ensuring the effective implementation of the M&E activities, using the right effective and efficient tools so as to ensure high quality data generation and effective implementation of M&E in public health. Therefore, project implementers, stakeholders and the government should ensure efficient planning and implementation of M&E tools in health projects.