HEALTH SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT (AUDIT REVIEW OF THE AID PROGRAM IN ZAIRE)

Evaluation, which covers the period from 5/76 to 6/30/79 and is included in an audit review of A.I.D."s Zaire program (PD-AAG-112-A1 PD-AAG-123-A1, PD-AAG-125-A1, PD-AAG-126-A1, PD-AAH-233-A1), is based on project records and onsite visits. To date, $667,000 of $675,000 targeted funds have been obligated. The project is seriously behind schedule due to the contract technician"s late arrival (caused by delayed negotiations), and lack of GOZ support (which continues to impede project implementation). Due to the latter, the Mission did not contract for a pharmaceutical assistant and a field nutritionist until 3/79. In 2/79, the Mission and the contractor, Planning and Human Systems, Inc., (PMS) were still negotiating project methodology. PMS was to provide a schedule of short-term consultant visits for high-level management/planning workshops. This has not yet been done. The workshops have nevertheless begun. PMS has proposed eliminating Kongolo as a project training site and substituting three-week U.S. observation tours for participant training of high-level Department of Health officials. The Mission has approved this substitution, although auditors remain skeptical. According to the Mission, agreement has been reached on methodology, although the contractor is still discussing the subject with its home office. In view of project delays, auditors recommend that the Mission terminate the project unless a firm agreement on methodology is reached by 12/79. A demonstration site was selected for the health component of the North Shaba Project (6600059). Due to its remoteness, a closer site was substituted. In accordance with an audit draft recommendation, the Mission amended the Pro-Ag and the PIO/T to provide additional costs for this site. The Mission also amended the PMS contract to include participant training. Auditors further recommend that the Mission revise project documentation to reflect the changes in project operations.