HEALTHCOM in Lesotho : final evaluation report

External evaluation covers the period 11/86-9/90. HED has improved both the quantity and quality of its output of print materials. The project directly contributed to these improvements by supporting the addition of three new staff positions, the purchase of a computer, a printer, and radio production equipment, and an increase in office space by more than 20%. The project also provided training on the use of computer graphics, the preparation and pre-testing of educational materials, and materials development in general. HED also produced a daily 15-minute radio program on health, but only a small proportion of women listened to the program frequently. Immunization rates remained about the same, which means that the MOH kept up with the annual population increase, although BCG and DPTI were given at an earlier age. The number of childhood diarrhea episodes receiving ORT increased notably both at home and in health centers during the project period, rising from 39% of all cases in 1987 to 60% in 1990. This increase can be attributed to the joint efforts of the project, the HED, and the Control of Diarrheal Disease and Control of Childhood Communicable Disease programs in retraining health personnel in ORT and in producing and distributing ORT materials. In the future, HED needs to address the following problems: the perception within the MOH that the HED is merely a printing house; a lack of team spirit and collaboration among staff members; a need for regular supervision and material support as well as regular reporting on activities; and the need for feedback on staff performance.