REPORT OF AN EVALUATION OF THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH EXTENSION PROJECT IN THE GAMBIA AND DAHOMEY

AT THE REQUEST OF THE A.I.D./AFRICA BUREAU AND THE A.I.D./OFFICE OF POPULATION, A TWO MEMBER TEAM HAS EVALUATED THE MCH EXTENSION PROJECT ACTIVITIES IN THE GAMBIA AND DAHOMEY. THE ON-SITE REVIEW WAS CONDUCTED FROM MAY 18-31, 1975. THIS REPORT IS DIVIDED INTO THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS: SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS; HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT; PROJECT GOAL AND PURPOSES; FINDINGS IN THE GAMBIA; FINDINGS IN DAHOMEY, AND CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE. THE PROJECT GOAL AND PURPOSES WERE FOUND TO BE APPROPRIATE IN THE LIGHT OF THE GAMBIA'S AND DAHOMEY'S STATED NATIONAL HEALTH OBJECTIVES AND PRIORITIES AND OF A.I.D.'S HEALTH STRATEGY FOR AFRICA. HEALTH EDUCATION, NUTRITION AND CHILD SPACING HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED AS ESSENTIAL MCH SERVICES. SIMPLE LOW COST METHODS OF ADDING THESE FUNCTIONS AND IMPROVING SERVICES HAVE BEEN DEMONSTRATED IN THE PILOT AREAS. IN-SERVICE TRAINING HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR HEALTH WORKERS IN AND OUTSIDE THE PILOT AREAS. THE POTENTIAL EXISTS IN BOTH COUNTRIES FOR THE EXTENSION OF DEMONSTRATED IMPROVEMENTS IN MCH SERVICES. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT A.I.D. CONTINUE TO SUPPORT MCH ACTIVITIES IN BOTH GAMBIA AND DAHOMEY AND THAT A WAY BE FOUND TO GIVE MORE AUTONOMY TO CONTINUED PROJECT DEVELOPMENT SO THAT PROJECT ACTIVITIES CAN PROCEED AT THEIR OWN PACE IN EACH COUNTRY.