Assessment of the Performance of Health Service Extension Program and the factors affecting it: The Case of Kembata Tembaro Zone. SNNPR

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Date

2008-06

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

This brief sunm1ary repre sents an overview of the key research findings discussed at length in the main body of the report. In KTZ, the HSEP that ha s been underway as part of national program since 2006 was designed to improve the und erserved majorities' access to basic health care services, thereby to improve the health status of all people. To determine the worthiness of the program and to identify the factors affecting it, it was found necessary to carry out an in-depth empirical assessment of the program in the study area. Accordingly, the study was conducted and thu s its results are expected to inform the local implementers whether the program is pelforming or not , and as how to improve the program 's implementation in the future. In the study, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Thus, two types of field d ata gathering instruments were used. Focus group di sc ussion, semi-structured interviews , key informants interviews and perso nal observation were used for collecting qualitative data. In the mean time semi-structured interviews with survey items were used to collect the quantitative data. The study has shown that the HSEP is performing to the acceptable level (i.e. almost all health posts are performing over three-fourths of their assigned activities). Ho wever, as th e study has revealed, the local implementers need to tackle inadequate community support, poor basic drug supplies, poor supporti ve sup e rvisi on and HEWs' low capacity to keep the program properly functioning and sustai nable. In contTast, commun iti esĀ· recognition and appreciation which grew to the stage where social capital appeared to promote the program's implementation. Indifference in culture, linguistic and social aspects between the HEW s and the community they serve combined with good attributes of HEWs overshadowed the ne gative impact of improper selection criteria on the program. These factors need to be maintained . The perceived progresses/impro vements/ in the community and the program 's performance as determined by the study, go to sub stantiate the practical significance of the program, be side s calling for its re- strengthening as a worthy initiati ve to embark upon.

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Health Service

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