 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Anbrasi Edward-Raj, PhD, MPH, International Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe, Baltimore, MD 21205, 410-955-3928, aedward@jhsph.edu, Godwin Ndossi, PhD, Food Science, TFNC, PO Box 977, Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania, Boitshepo Giyose, MS, Nutrition, CRHCS, Box 1009, Arusha, Tanzania, and Richard H. Morrow, MD MPH FACP, Department of International Health/Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Significant investments have been made toward the elimination of VAD through National Vitamin A Programs. Although some progress has been made in improving coverage, the performance of these programs has been sub optimal in achieving the reduction of VAD. Several issues were highlighted for the lack of performance that needed to be supported by empirical evidence from program assessments. The assessment conducted in March 2000, was a collaborative effort of the MOH, TFNC, CRHCS and JHU for the REDSO/USAID sponsored GHAI under the Quality Assurance Project. Methods: Seven health facilities that provided immunization through MCH services were randomly selected in the district. Standard procedures were employed to measure knowledge and performance through case management observations, interviews and record reviews. Findings indicated several operational gaps in the system. Provider interviews indicated that only 48% knew night blindness as being a clinical sign of Vitamin A deficiency, and less than 15% knew about other clinical signs. Less than 60% of the children were checked for Vitamin A, and of those requiring supplementation only 61% received it. Less than 40% of the caretakers were counseled on the importance of Vitamin A. Although 55% of the caretakers had heard about Vitamin A, less than 20% knew its importance. The study provided a model for measuring program quality and developing appropriate improvement measures for performance.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Quality Assurance, International Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.