An Investigation into the Challenges of Implementation of the Health Extension Program in Berek wereda of Oromiya Region
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Date
2011-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The Health Extension Program which has been implemented in Ethiopia since 2005 is launched with the
view of taking healthcare services closer to the local people. This program aims to improve access and
equity of primary health care through provision of essential health interventions at the village and
household level. It focuses on sustained preventive health actions and increased community awareness. In
the implementation of the program, however, different challenges are limiting the achievement of its
objectives. In light of this, this study was conducted to investigate the challenges of Health Extension
Program (HEP) implementation in Berek Wereda of Oromiya Region. In doing this investigation,
descriptive research design was followed. Subjects of the study were Health Extension Workers (HEWs),
program beneficiaries or the community and Wereda Health Bureau Officials. In the study, two types of
sampling techniques were used. Using purposive sampling method, four Kebeles of the study sites were
selected. One hundred thirty- eight community participants were selected using random sampling
technique. Beside these, seventeen HEWs were randomly selected and participated in the study. The data
gathering instruments employed in the study were questionnaire, interview schedule, key informant
interviews, focus group discussion and site observation. The study involved strict respect for informed
consent, voluntary participation and confidentiality. The findings of the study indicated that there are
improvements in the accessibility of primary health care services to the community. However, different
challenges are limiting the proper implementation of the HEP in the study Wereda. Attrition of HEWs,
low budget allocation, irregular and insufficient supply of medical logistics and drugs, weak infrastructure
facilities, poor working conditions for HEWs and insufficient community participation, are the major
challenges identified in the study. Based on the findings of the study, the research recommended the
strengthening of infrastructure facilities, allocation of sufficient budget, sufficient and regular supply of
medical logistics, office materials and drugs, creation of better working environment for HEWs and
promoting community participation. It is also important to consider the development of local resource
capacity and strengthening better coordination among all stakeholders of the program for better
implementation of the program in the study area
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Oromiya region