Summarizes interim evaluation (XD-ABC-617-A) of a project to improve rehabilitation services for the disabled, especially amputees, in El Salvador through the Telethon Pro-Rehabilitation Foundation (FUNTER). Evaluation covered the period 8/87-1/91. The project has proven successful. FUNTER has developed into an institution capable of providing timely and appropriate services to the disabled, their families, and pertinent health care professionals. It has provided 1,100 artificial limbs (vs. a goal of 1,000), usually fitting patients within 15 days. It has also developed patient support services including housing, transportation, and home follow-up. The prosthetics workshop, which produces the prosthetics and trains prosthetists, was fully functional in only 9 months. The workshop has produced prosthetics at about one-tenth the cost of devices imported from the United States, and has trained 11 prosthetists to a level equivalent to U.S. standards. FUNTER has also: (1) raised awareness of the needs of the disabled by distributing over 50,000 copies of health education materials; (2) provided rural health workers and civic groups with training and information on how to treat and prevent disabling conditions; (3) developed a specialized library on disability and rehabilitation, as well as a detailed and accurate national amputee registry; and (4) developed a series of practical courses and training seminars for interested organizations and professionals. Problem areas include: a lack of strategic planning and failure to identify and prioritize needs which should be addressed by the project; insufficient attention to fundraising and long-term financial viability; insufficient space for patient support; and lack of program integration. Nonetheless, considering FUNTER”s overall success, USAID/ES will extend the project at least 2 years at increased funding. Two major lessons were learned. (1) Rivalry between the public and private sector has made inter-institutional coordination difficult. (2) The project should not be expected to become self-sustainable in 3 years, especially in areas which seek to change attitudes and perceptions.
