Evaluation framework for subregional approaches and their roadmaps: principles and methods

Overview

This Guidance presents a structured and adaptable evaluation framework to assess subregional roadmaps strategic instruments used by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and its Member States to advance health and well-being through cross-country collaboration. Examples include the Roadmaps for the Western Balkans (2021–2025), Central Asia (2022–2025) (CARM), and small countries in the WHO European Region (2022–2025). These function as soft governance mechanisms, operating without binding implementation plans or dedicated budgets, which makes traditional evaluation models poorly suited to their political and flexible nature. In response, this guidance proposes a modular framework structured around four core areas: purpose and expectations, achievements and lessons learned, unmet needs, and added value and success drivers. Each is examined across three domains: political, investment and technical, generating 12 analytical “cards” of inquiry. Combining document review, stakeholder consultations and qualitative interviews, the approach enables both retrospective assessment and forward-looking design. Piloted through the CARM evaluation, the framework supports the development of more focused, country-owned, and investment-aligned subregional strategies.