Project assistance completion report (PACR) for field epidemiology training program (FETP) : primary health care financing project (PHCFP)

All major activities under the FETP are on schedule and physical accomplishments within target. The program is housed in a building renovated by the project, and four sentinel sites are operational, having been provided with equipment and computers. The first two training courses have been completed and graduated a total of 15 physicians; the third course, with 7 trainees, is in its second year; and a fourth group of 7 trainees have been selected. It is estimated that by the Terminal Disbursement Date in 9/92, 96% of the $2.2 million obligated for this component will have been expended, placing fund utilization levels within normal limits. Other significant accomplishments include: (1) outbreak investigations conducted by FETP trainees and graduates resulted in recommendations that have contributed to DOH policy decisions, and (2) through the publication and presentation of their studies at local and international conferences, FETP trainees and graduates have gained professional exposure and recognition both locally and internationally. A 12/91 final evaluation of the component noted that FETP substantially achieved its objectives of investigating disease outbreaks, reporting and analyzing surveillance data, developing methodologies for disease prevention and control interventions, and using epidemiologic information for planning, managing, and evaluating health services programs. Because of the program's perceived effectiveness and its potential for strengthening the DOH's capabilities, FETP has been formally institutionalized as the Epidemiology Division of the Health Intelligence Service (HIS). This action resolves previous concerns about permanent staffing arrangements, and provides a framework within which FETP staff can integrate their particular budgetary needs (which require a quick response mechanism due to the nature of outbreak investigations) into regular government budgeting and accounting channels.