POLIO PLANNING

Figure 3. Framework for capturing polio program assets, functions and lessons learned
3.2 STEP 2. DOCUMENT LESSONS LEARNED: The experience of the polio program, particularly the
knowledge, systems and relationships developed during the eradication effort, have relevance for other
programs in the region/country. Lessons learned include the valuable processes/systems and best
practices developed and improved by the polio program through trial-and-error over three decades.
Lessons learned should not only capture successes, but also where challenges or failure led to innovation
and improvement.
Key activities for identifying and documenting lessons learned may include interviews of polio personnel
and review of polio program documents (e.g., evaluation reports, existing implementation guidelines),
but can also include staff surveys, brainstorming sessions and field visits. Ideas on lessons learned should
not only be gathered by program leadership and management, but from field staff who have insight into
operational innovations that may not be widely known at higher levels. Successful documentation will
capture “how” polio learned and adapted to improve service delivery, including translating processes and
systems in training materials, manuals, or operational guidelines that can be used and implemented
outside of the polio program. In addition, written case studies, media coverage, video and photo
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