Leveraging Knowledge Management for Adaptive Learning and Sustainable Change

In today’s rapidly evolving global health landscape, effective knowledge management (KM) is more than just a tool—it is a strategic driver of success. Breakthrough ACTION has pioneered innovative KM approaches that not only strengthen social and behavior change (SBC) programming but also ensure long-term sustainability. These lessons from the project’s countries of implementation offer valuable takeaways for SBC practitioners, donors, and global health leaders looking to maximize the impact of their investments.

Adaptive Learning Drives Real-Time Program Improvements

Case in Point: Nigeria’s Childhood Tuberculosis Detection

Breakthrough ACTION utilized after-action reviews and the collaboration, learning, and adaptive management approach to increase childhood tuberculosis detection in Nigeria by reflecting on program challenges and adapting strategies in real time. These regular reviews resulted in actionable improvements and better outcomes.

Key Takeaway: Embedding adaptive learning processes like after-action reviews ensures that teams can quickly adjust strategies, making programs more responsive and effective in addressing emerging challenges.

Data Visualization Transforms Decision-Making

Case in Point: Kenya’s Dashboard for Malaria and Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health

In Kenya, Breakthrough ACTION developed a dashboard to track malaria and adolescent and youth sexual reproductive health data. This user-friendly tool integrated project and facility-level data, making it accessible for decision makers at all levels, which enhanced program reporting and improved decision making.

Key Takeaway: Investing in simple, actionable data visualization tools can empower teams to make data-driven decisions that improve program outcomes and accountability.

Cross-Sector Collaboration Fosters Holistic Solutions

Case in Point: Bangladesh’s Pause and Reflect Sessions

In Bangladesh, Breakthrough ACTION introduced Pause and Reflect sessions to promote interdepartmental collaboration. These sessions enabled government departments to realign their policies based on the evolving needs of communities, leading to more effective and responsive interventions.

Key Takeaway: Structured reflection and learning sessions across sectors create stronger, more adaptable interventions by aligning policies and programs with the real needs of communities.

Capacity Building Strengthens Sustainability

Case in Point: Côte d’Ivoire’s and Guatemala’s KM Skill-Building Sessions

Breakthrough ACTION Côte d’Ivoire and Guatemala integrated KM into daily routines through skill-sharing sessions, an internal communication platform, and friendly competition. This approach not only built the staff’s capability to better employ KM but also ensured they documented and shared key insights and lessons learned for future use, particularly during program closeouts.

Key Takeaway: Continuous capacity building in KM enhances program sustainability and equips teams with the skills needed to capture, share, and apply knowledge effectively, even as programs wind down.

KM as a Catalyst for Long-Term Sustainability

Case in Point: Cameroon’s KM Strategy for the One Health Platform

Breakthrough ACTION supported the Government of Cameroon in developing its first KM strategy for the One Health platform. By facilitating regular information sharing across ministries, the KM strategy secured ongoing government funding, ensuring the platform’s sustainability.

Key Takeaway: When local stakeholders take ownership of KM processes, it can lead to sustained funding and long-term program impact. Engaging governments and communities in KM strategy development ensures their commitment and participation.

Why This Matters for Global Health Donors and SBC Practitioners

Across Breakthrough ACTION’s countries of implementation, KM has proven to be a strategic asset that drives decision making, fosters collaboration, and enhances program outcomes. Tools like dashboards and after-action reviews elevate the impact of SBC programming.

For SBC practitioners, KM supports continuous improvement and program resilience, ensuring that interventions are adaptive and effective. For global health donors, investing in KM maximizes return by making programs data-driven, adaptable, and sustainable.

By integrating KM as a core strategy, both donors and practitioners can unlock its full potential to drive learning, innovation, and long-lasting impact in global health.

Written by: Lisa Mwaikambo, KM Advisor