Strengthening Health Systems in Sierra Leone with Focus 1000

Using Systems Thinking for Effective Change 

Recently, Robert Katende, GOAL Global’s Systems Analysis and Design Advisor, visited Sierra Leone to lead workshops on systems thinking—a way to understand and improve complex systems like health, water, sanitation, and the blue economy. Robert worked with 81 staff from GOAL Sierra Leone and 15 representatives from local partner organisations in Freetown, Kambia, and Kenema.

The workshops focused on how systems mapping can help identify problems within systems and design better solutions. By understanding how different parts of a system are connected and mapping these, we can improve health services, clean water access, and the strength of the economy.

Participants left the workshops with new skills to apply in their own work, strengthening our shared efforts to make a real impact. 

Sierra Leone Systems Thinking Workshop Participants

Focus 1000: Improving Health for Sierra Leone’s Children 

A key part of Robert’s visit was his engagement with GOAL partner, Focus 1000, an organisation that has been working to improve the health of children during their first 1,000 days of life. Founded in 2015, Focus 1000’s evidence-based programs are aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving maternal and child nutrition. 

Since its launch, Focus 1000 has worked closely with GOAL Sierra Leone to improve health systems and ensure that children have the best possible start in life. Their work is an excellent example of how local organisations, with support from partners, can strengthen systems to make a lasting difference in their communities. 

Building Stronger Organizations with the OCA Tool 

During his visit, Robert also piloted the Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) Tool with Focus 1000. The OCA is designed to help organisations assess their strengths and identify areas for improvement. By understanding where they can improve, organisations like Focus 1000 can better serve their communities and deliver more effective interventions. 

Focus 1000 was one of five organisations that tested the updated OCA tool. The feedback from this pilot will help improve the tool and ensure that local partners have the support they need to grow and succeed. 

Learning and Growing Together 

By mapping out systems, identifying weaknesses, and working together, we can make meaningful improvements in areas like health and sanitation. 

The workshops in Sierra Leone were a valuable reminder of the importance of learning and collaboration. GOAL is committed to supporting our partners by providing the tools and knowledge needed to create positive, lasting change.  

To see Robert Katende’s visit and the power of systems thinking in action, watch the video below.