Counter-verification in performance-based financing
Key insights from the Côte d’Ivoire experience
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19530249 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Joël Arthur Kiendrébéogo (0000-0002-7000-3712, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, corresponding author), Kouadjo San Boris Bediakon (0000-0001-5810-9795, Management Sciences (United States)), Jean-Pierre Tsafack (Japan International Cooperation Agency), Marin Passerat De Silans (Ginger (France)), Robert Yao Kouakou (Japan International Cooperation Agency), Clovis Kouassi Konan (World Bank Health Projects Coordination Unit), Clovis Konan (World Bank), Sosthène Dougrou (Center for Strategic Research), Xavier Lannuzel (Ginger (France)), Serge Mayaka (0000-0002-9124-2114, Japan International Cooperation Agency) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 2483072-2483072 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-31 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Global Health Action (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1654-9716 • E-ISSN: 1654-9880 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/16549716.2025.2483072 |
| PMID | 41410270 |
| OpenAlex | W4417459764 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 35 |
BACKGROUND: Performance-based financing (PBF) is a key health financing reform in many sub-Saharan African countries, with verification being a critical component. Counter-verification, designed to enhance the credibility of verification, remains largely under-documented and under-researched. This study examines the counter-verification activities within Côte d'Ivoire's PBF program, providing insights into its implementation and challenges. METHODS: We performed a content analysis of 14 quarterly counter-verification reports spanning from Q4 2016 to Q3 2023, supplemented by brief, informal discussions. Using the READ approach proposed by Dalglish et al., we systematically prepared the materials, extracted and analyzed data, and distilled the findings. Our analysis focused on discrepancies between verified and counter-verified data, identifying and detailing the underlying causes of these inconsistencies. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed mixed results when comparing the verified and counter-verified data. While discrepancies decreased over time for some activities, others remained consistent or even worsened. The primary causes of discrepancies included inadequate record-keeping and failure to meet indicator validation criteria. Challenges in retrieving documents for counter-verification were linked to poorly managed physical and electronic archiving systems, as well as a lack of qualified personnel. Furthermore, the audit of administrative and financial procedures, especially regarding invoice issuance and the use of PBF funds, highlighted several shortcomings. CONCLUSIONS: Counter-verification is a critical component of PBF programs, designed to strengthen confidence in verifications, correct errors or weaknesses through sanctions or recommendations, and prevent misconduct by both providers and verifiers. To optimize its impact, counter-verification must be systematically integrated into the design of PBF programs
Misconduct · Sanctions · Strengths and weaknesses · Evaluation and Performance Assessment · Global Maternal and Child Health · Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |