Project completion report USAID/Ghana : population program support

Final evaluation covers the period 9/72-3/82; methodology is unspecified. Project success has been limited due primarily to poor management within the Ghana National FP Program (GNFPP), transportation and gasoline shortages, and GNFPP lack of coordination with other Government of Ghana (GOG) agencies. Ghana"s population growth rate still stands at 3.0-3.3%, compared to 3.3% in 1972 and the project has reached only 6-8% of women in fertile age (WIFA) compared to a projected 25%. Integrated community-based programs were established in two regions, primarily through efforts by PVO"s, but the GNFPP failed to undertake planned experimental retail programs in two other regions. Subsidized demographic studies conducted at the University of Ghana (UG) were seldom used by the GOG. Although 300 FP public health clinics now exist (200 were projected), no retail sales outlets have operated since the end of the Retail Commercial Sales project (3/31/81). No acceptor reports have been produced since the UG computer service broke down in 1978. The few in-country mobile teams that exist are supported by PVO"s. However, a wide array of training was undertaken, including U.S. and in-country training for various ministry staff; training of nearly 1,000 Ghanaians in specific FP skills; training of trainers programs for maternal/child health (MCH) and other nursing staff; FP training of more than 4,000 graduate nurses; and a seminar for nursing officers on integrating MCH/FP into the primary health care system. In addition, as a result of a comprehensive information, education, and communication program, an estimated 60% of WIFA know at least one FP method. The project has shown the limitations of an FP system that is created artificially by A.I.D. and placed vertically within a government system. Two follow-on projects (Contraceptive Supplies and Primary Health Care) will be implemented by the Ministry of Health.