Prosthetics assistance project

The evaluation covered the period 1989-12/92. The project is a model of constructive and effective use of the War Victims Fund. Considerable progress has been made, and the majority of the most important activities are performing well. The field survey has been completed for all but two provinces, although results have not yet been tabulated. Production of prosthetics is reasonable and on target. However, it will not be possible to establish an effective prosthetics follow-up program as long as the difficulties in transportation and communications continue. In addition, the project"s orthopedic surgery training objectives are being largely unmet, due to the Ministry of Health"s (MOH) limitations in appointing doctors to be trained. Health Volunteers Overseas" (HVO) shift in emphasis to the training of mid-level medical-technical professionals is appropriate. Finally, a heavy dependence on donor funding places the project"s sustainability in doubt. Lessons learned are as follows. (1) Most disability problems identified in Mozambique could be prevented with good primary health care services such as polio and measles vaccines, antibiotics, and sanitary wound care. (2) In spite of the country"s need for orthopedic surgeons, mid-level training of personnel remains a priority under the MOH. Better needs assessment of MOH high priority areas for training in personnel development is needed.