A participatory evaluation of community-based rehabilitation programme in North Central Vietnam

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to conduct a participatory evaluati on of the community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programme in North Central V ietnam to ascertain the extent of success with the World Health Organizatio n (WHO) model. In 1992, for the first time a non-governmental organization (NGO) was formed in this region to plan and implement the CBR approach base d on the WHO model for meeting the needs of persons with disabilities (PWD) . The programme is currently being implemented in ten districts and has bee n able to affect 24.6% of PWD in this region. Methods : A framework of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats ( SWOT) analysis was used. Participatory data collection was done at the vill age, commune, district, provincial, and central levels using semi-structure d interviews and focus group discussions. The data were examined against th e five principles of the WHO model: available resource utilization, knowled ge transfer, community participation, referral services strengthening and m ultisectoral coordination. Results : The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats across all levels were collated and presented. Conclusion : Specific strengths have been found in three out of five princi ples of the WHO Model. The programme would benefit by consolidating on the positive aspects in years to come.