BASIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROJECT

Evaluation covers the period 8/79-12/80 and is attached to a PES facesheet (PD-AAG-971-A1) and consists of a delayed annual evaluation by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the implementing agent. In the first of three program cycles, 270 public health managers, including many local officials, in Montserrat, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Antigua received basic management training. St. Lucia and Antigua will receive additional line management modules. First cycle curricula and an ongoing system to identify project trainees were developed on schedule. Seven countries have since requested an additional 10 training cycles. Surveys were conducted of the project"s impact on participating organizations and individuals. Questionnaires for the latter, however, proved invalid and will be replaced. During 1980, technical assistance is planned for the nine participating countries in the areas of health planning, district teams, organizational analysis, and information systems. There have been a number of problems. Due to Hurricane David, Dominica"s training program has been delayed until late 1980. A Guyanese paper shortage delayed production of the project handbook and other materials. The location of project headquarters away from CARICOM"s main office led to poor communication, repeated staff absences, and a shortage of qualified financial personnel -- adversely affecting contract dealings and USAID voucher submissions. A more central location is recommended. Afro-American Purchasing Center-supplied commodities arrived late, forcing the borrowing or costly purchase of basic equipment. Communications with Westinghouse Health Systems, the training contractor, have been poor, epecially in defining its project manager"s role. It is recommended that host countries lessen the work load of domestic coordinators and appoint coordinators who will be able to function as trainers; the use of regional carriers be allowed; and USAID develop a new training plan in view of accelerating demands.