Evaluation of the population and family planning support project in Morocco

Special evaluation covers the period 1976-12/81 and is based on site visits and interviews with officials from the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), USAID/M, and various FP organizations. The MOPH's commitment to FP is obvious. Its first major FP service delivery project, the Visite a Domicile de Motivation Systematique (VDMS) pilot project in Marrakech, used paramedical personnel to provide household delivery of FP information and services. The VDMS was successfully completed within a year of the target date but failed to conduct rural follow-up surveys. The VDMS is being extended to three other provinces but is being redesigned to include four additional basic health services. Considerable attention has been given to training. In-service training seminars and workshops on FP information, education and communication (IEC) have been conducted, and training has been provided to 55 trainers of itinerant VDMS nurses. Formal paramedical training is being revised for greater practicality. A National Training Center for Reproductive Health (NTCRH) will open in 1982. There is need for a country-wide inservice training program for health personnel at all levels and for increased special skills training for provincial and lower-level personnel. Progress in other areas is mixed. The contraceptive supply logistical system is working well and collection of service statistics has improved, but only 2 of 10 planned FP referral centers have been constructed. The MOPH is not interested in commercial sale of subsidized contraceptives. Production of IEC materials by the Moroccan FP Association (AMPF) is progressing well, although behind schedule. The World Fertility Survey and other POP/FP studies are continuing at a slow but steady pace. Although the RAPID program was delivered to the MOPH, it has not received much staff attention. It is recommended that: A.I.D. continue to support the AMPF and not concentrate exclusively on MOPH activities; planning more closely reflect Morocco's ability to absorb inputs; the expanded VDMS program be monitored closely; and in-country or short-term contractors be used liberally.