Browsing by Author "Ayele, Milkiyas"

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    Assessment of Achievements and Challenges of the Implementation of Health Extension Program: The Comparative Study of Goro and Weliso Woredas.
    (A.A.U, 2010-07) Ayele, Milkiyas; Abebe, Mulugeta (Dr.)
    Ethiopian government has developed and implemented Health Extension Programme to improve the health status of communities particularly those who reside in rural areas of the country since 2004/5 . The thesis focuses on the assessment of achievements and challenges of the implementation of Health Extension Program. The objective of the study is to assess the achievements and challenges of Health Extension Program in Goro and Weliso woredas. As to the research methodology, descriptive method was used. Stratified multi- stage cluster sampling was employed to select sample households. Six (6) kebeles were randomly selected from the two woredas. From these kebeles a total of 150 households were randomly chosen. Simple random sampling was used to se lect Health Extension Workers (HEWs) and Supervisors. Purposive sampling was utilised to select woreda health administrators. Schedule questionnaire, observations and interview were applied to obtain first-hand information. Regarding the findings, the study shows that there have been poor performances in the execution of Health Extension Programme. In the malaria prevention and control package, the findings show that the Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs) is not adequate to protect households being caught by malaria. It has been also widely observed that people utilise ITNs for different unintended purposes in the study areas. As to the family planning services, households resist to use family planning methods for a number of reasons such as religion matter. Moreover, evidences show that the current family planning fall short of communities' needs and expectations. Health posts and basic health service kits have been lacking for Health Extension Workers to fully serve the communities. On the other hand, Health Extension Workers also lack basic skills and knowledge to render quality health services. In the implementation of health education and communication package, sufficient time has not been allocated for it in study areas. Facilities such as construction of health posts and supply of equipments, medicines and supplies, strong health education and communication, alternative finance rising instruments to supplement operational budget, integrated refreshing trainings for Health Extension Workers, development of guidelines on the promotion, transfer, continuing education, salary increment are some of the major recommendations put forwarded.