Midterm evaluation of Save the Children's child survival grant

The evaluation covered the period through 9/91. Despite famine and economic instability, the project has continued to operate with some notable achievements. Both impact areas have met objectives for full coverage with childhood immunizations. Training and educational activities have resulted in a high level of knowledge among mothers as well as village health committees about oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and Vitamin A supplements. In addition, village mothers have modified their traditional practices by continuing feeding during episodes of diarrhea, thereby reducing the mortality risk as well as nutritional complications. On the negative side, despite high coverage rates, the quality of immunization activities is threatened by the Ministry of Health's (MOH) failure to monitor the cold chain in Showak District, where vaccines are stored. Also, MOH supplies of oral rehydration salts are virtually unavailable in both areas. Inadequate numbers of mothers have received nutrition education to enable them to understand the significance of growth monitoring. Consequently, very few children have participated in growth monitoring activities. Due to external factors, SCF has failed to achieve its objectives regarding child spacing and family planning methods.