Table 3 Guiding principles for collective action proposed by participants in DR Congo

Collaboration, participation, complementarity, and coordination between the different actors

To achieve this guiding principle, participants highlighted the importance of:

- Continuing coordination meetings at the field level and in Kinshasa,

- Designating a focal point or champion for each major activity in the work plan,

- Supporting all partners involved in the implementation of the work plan by appointing a project manager working in close collaboration with the SRH coordinator and the SRH working group already in place.

Not reinventing the wheel

- For each activity, take stock of what already exists by mapping existing tools, instruments, and protocols, as well as work plans and projects currently implemented,

- Harmonize and adapt the different tools, instruments, and protocols to the specificity of the context and activity in question.

Programming based on scientific evidence

Given limited resources and for efficiency reasons, participants found it essential to:

- Implement interventions that have proven successful in similar contexts,

- Pilot new interventions but with a robust process of monitoring, evaluation, and even research where feasible.

Equity in population coverage

The channeling of resources must focus on activities in the crisis-affected settings and, in particular, on the most affected, marginalized, and vulnerable populations.

Fostering a community of practice

All activities implemented must be continuously monitored and evaluated in order to help the community of partners to learn, progress, and improve programs and the quality of services.