Demand in the Community for Program Activities to Continue. During the final evaluation, group interviews were held among 90 mothers and fathers, 33 health promoters, and 6 representatives from municipal governments in Carabuco, Ancoraimes and Puerto Xxxxxx. (See Attachment C for a list of participants in the group interviews.) It was clear from conversations in all of the group interviews that there is high interest and demand for project activities to continue. During the final evaluation interviews, municipal representatives were open to alternatives to provide incentives to HVs. Some suggestions were: include a line item in next year’s annual operating plan for HVs; give HVs training in crop improvement and veterinary services as an income generation incentive; and establish rotating funds for the sale of veterinary medicines by HVs. HVs mentioned many factors that motivate them to continue working in the community. These included: community service, a sense of satisfaction, a desire to prevent deaths in the community, a desire to continue to learn new things, commitment to the community, a desire to assist health personnel to “protect” the community from disease, and feeling appreciated by families during home visits. In order to improve their work in terms of quality and continuity, health volunteers offered the following suggestions: form a health volunteer association and request assistance from the municipal government; request assistance with transport to distant communities and the provision of basic equipment (scales, clean birth kits, rain ponchos, first- aid kits, educational materials, notebooks); provide additional training in skills that would appeal to farmers (e.g. small animal production); and share the results of their activities with local authorities and municipal government representatives. During the final evaluation interviews, mothers expressed several ideas about how to improve the work of the VH in the community. Some of these were: receive the HV with affection; receive the orientation that the HV gives; allow him/her to vaccinate one’s children; and receive veterinary and first aid services from the HV.
Demand in the Community for Program Activities to Continue. During the final evaluation, group interviews were held as follows: 114 mothers in 16 communities, 48 CHWs in 16 communities, 7 schools, 1 CMC, and representatives from the MOH Regional Management Team, the Department of Education, and BASICS. (See Attachment C for a list of persons contacted.) It was clear from the group interviews that there is high interest and demand for project activities to continue. When asked what actions could be taken to make sure that CHWs remain active, and that monthly growth monitoring and Base Houses continue to function, respondents mentioned the importance of the monthly planning meeting at the Health Post and continued participation in training events. (See Attachment B for interview guides used during the final evaluation and answers.) CHWs mentioned many factors that motivate them to continue working in the community. These included: love for the community and for children, joy in giving service, encouragement through support from community members, and learning about health and sharing this important information with friends, family and neighbors. Interviews with mothers during the Final Evaluation showed the following as a result of their participation in community health activities. ❑ Mothers groups have been meeting monthly for approximately 3 years ❑ Grandmothers participate in some of the groups to share experiences. ❑ New mothers are invited and encouraged to attend the groups by peers. ❑ Almost all mothers mentioned using new feeding practices, such as quantity and frequency of meals, and use of green leaves in cooking. ❑ Many mentioned adoption of breastfeeding practices. ❑ Mothers like being able to have their baby weighed in the community, and expressed a desire to continue meeting, indicating that want to learn more and they save money be not going to the health post. ❑ Mothers have positive regard for the RAN and value her assistance. ❑ Good relationships exist with the CHWs, based on trust and friendship. ❑ The Base House is well regarded and provides an important service, plus it is located in the community. The CHWs give immediate treatment and refer cases. ❑ Breastfeeding support groups later included the methodology for other topics such as improved food production. There is a demand for health education in schools to continue. Interviews with schoolteachers and representatives from the Municipal Department of Education during the Final Evaluation showed the following. ❑ 64 schools (of a total of 104),...
