Characteristics and performance of village animal health workers and veterinary assistants in northern Malawi.

Fourty-two village animal health workers called keymen (KM) and 84 veterinary assistants (VA) involved in a Basic Animal Health Service (BAHS) Programme in northern Malawi were interviewed during 1998. The general characteristics and perceptions of both groups were analysed using uni- and multivariate techniques. Detailed sales and treatment patterns of six KM and 12 VA were evaluated for the period September 1996 to August 1997. Results indicated an overall job-satisfaction for 82% of KM and 83 % of VA. Estimated weekly involvement in livestock service delivery, particularly of KM, was 3.7 days on average. Total annual drug sales of KM and VA between 1996 and 1997 on average were equivalent to US$ 124 and US$ 218 respectively. Most livestock remedies were issued for treatment of calves, followed by adult cattle, chickens and small ruminants. The changes suggested by VA and KM in order to improve field performance focused on regular refresher training by the BAHS programme.