An analysis of the implementation process of the Community-based Therapeutic Care Programme in Lusaka District

This study was undertaken in order to analyses the implementation process of the Community-based Therapeutic Care Programme at Chaisa, Mandevu and Garden Health Centres.
A descriptive survey design was used in the study because it involved asking the respondents for information using a questionnaire and focus group discussion. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to collect data. A sample of a 135 people were selected which consisted of 3 nutritionists from Lusaka District Health Management Team (LDHMT), 26 health workers and 109 care givers. Purposive sampling was used in selecting care givers. Qualitative data was transcribed and coded based on themes that emerged. On the other hand quantitative data was analysed manually and presented using graphs with the aid of Excel
The findings revealed that the CTC programme was formulated after the escalating number of malnutrition cases amongst children below the age of five at the University Teaching Hospital. The formulation process of this programme was unique compared to countries like Niger, Ethiopia and Malawi which formulated the programme after an occurrence of natural and manmade disasters such as floods, famine and war. The formulation process in Zambia involved Valid International, Ministry of Health, National Food and Nutrition Commission. The CTC programme was being implemented by trained health workers and was monitored by sisters in charge, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric ADIS Foundation and LDHMT. The implementation of the programme was no longer according to the original and intended plan due to lack of nutritionist and the integration of the Infant and Young Child Feeding Counseling. The Implementation process had various constraints ranging from inadequate health personal to implement the CTC programme to mothers not attending the CTC programme to mothers not attending the CTC programme. Solutions to the constraints were suggested which included, increasing the number of people trained to implement the CTC programme and sensitizing mothers on children’s health
It was concluded that the Community-based Therapeutic Care Programme was not being implemented according to the original and intended plan. This was due to inadequate health workers which had a negative impact on the delivery of the programme. On the other hand, the inclusion of the Infant and Young Child Feeding Counseling positively influenced the implementation process despite it not having been part of the original plan