Table 2 Main factors for consideration in future preventive programs to reduce the burden of anemia and hookworm in women

Identify appropriate local partners

The Yen Bai CMPE was able to advise the national and international partners on local issues and facilitate communication between the important provincial authorities and all levels of the provincial health service structure.

Conduct informative situation analysis

Formative research and a valid needs assessment for the project was conducted which identified that anemia and hookworm disease were major health problems for the community as well as health authorities. This was vital to providing the program with clear purpose, helped with the development of goals and gave the program credibility

Develop plan collaboratively

Open discussions between all parties ensured the program design would be accepted and supported by all involved.

Maintain communication

Regular meetings between the project team and local parties ensured that results were communicated to the province in a timely manner and potential problems could be resolved before they influenced outcomes.

Appropriate point of contact for target group

Village health workers were identified as the most appropriate point of contact because they lived in the communities and were well respected among the target group. VHW would also feel ownership and responsibility for the program and thereby help with sustainability

Appropriate, adaptable training materials developed and assessed

Culturally appropriate training and IEC materials ensured VHW had sufficient knowledge of the health problems being addressed and the resources to communicate that knowledge to WRA.

Packaging of tablets

With a small increase in cost a more acceptable form of packaging was developed.

Independent monitoring of the intervention conducted early in the process

The survey conducted early (at three months) in the intervention resulted in modification of the training, materials and repackaging of the tablets.

Intervention supplied free of charge

This helped with equitable distribution and helped successful implementation of the intervention

Incentives for staff

Small payments and feedback to staff about the project results were given to staff during the course of the program. These helped the implementation of the program

Impact evaluation

Evaluation surveys to document impact have provided project partners with data and information for advocacy with stakeholders and policy makers, and dissemination of results to the international community.