Primary health care : progress and problems, an analysis of 52 AID-assisted projects

This report reviews 52 AID-funded PHC projects worldwide, identifying major cross-cutting issues and recommending adjustments in program direction. After briefly describing each of the projects, the authors discuss, on the basis of their evaluations, the following subjects: community participation; health workers; project support; program costs; program evaluation and general program progress; and A.I.D. project design and administration. In evaluating the projects, attention was given to the PHC approach being used, the project"s scale and location, and the stage of project implementation. In general, the authors conclude that many of the projects have successfully established PHC structures, increased accessibility and use of health services, and sensitized governments to PHC needs; however, data are few and too preliminary to judge the impact of these projects on directly improving health status. References are cited for each project.