Evaluation of work performed by the American Public Health Association for the Agency for International Development

Special evaluation covers the period 10/79-3/81 and is based on document review, interviews with APHA and A.I.D. staff, discussions with users of project products and services, and visits to health and population agencies in New York and Boston. Regarding the promotional information and education component, two of three planned regional conferences (in Thailand and Togo) and four of six planned workshops (in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Botswana, and Tunisia) have been held; a regional conference in Latin America and two workshops in Asia are planned for 1982. Also, the first of three international conferences was held 2/81 in Calcutta. The quarterly newsletter is well written but its circulation limited; its effectiveness should be reassessed. Sixteen informational packets have been distributed to 150 A.I.D. and non-A.I.D. personnel; however, alternative means of information dissemination should be explored. The function of the Resource Center needs clarification. Under the evaluation and special studies component, four volumes tracking the status of AID-assisted projects by region were completed, and a summary volume analyzing common problems is nearly complete. Work has begun on 10 global reviews of PHC issues, but their audience and the choice of topics needs clarification. One special study - on growth monitoring of pre-school children - has been published, and a workshop on community participation was organized in Washington in 11/80. Because the data bank storing information on 300 PHC and FP projects contains old data and is little used, it should be discontinued. In terms of technical advisory services, short-term consultant assistance was provided on request to Mission health and population personnel. Services have been excellent and in such demand that contractual obligations will be exceeded before the contract ends. It is recommended that the role of the project in relation to various A.I.D. units be clarified and that the project"s impact be further assessed.