Assessment Of Contribution Of The Ngos In The Delivery Of Health Services

ABSTACT

The study aspired to assess the contributions of non-governmental organizations in the delivery of health services in Zanzibar. The study was conducted in the North „A‟ District using a case study design. NGOs have moved into the delivery of health services in Zanzibar in order to influence quality of health services, to serve the community health needs, to complement the government efforts, to serve the marginalized and vulnerable groups and to promote quality life and wellbeing of the poor. Hence NGOs have decided to support the health services through financial, health education, health infrastructure and providing direct health services aiming at increasing the quality, equity and accessibility of health services especially to the poor, marginalized, people with disabilities, orphans, PLWHIV/AIDS, mothers, maternal and children under 5 years.

A total number of 70 respondents were used for the study sample and they were taken from five wards where the villagers and NGOs which have health focus were randomly selected. The methods of data collection included focus group discussion, structural interview and documentary review. The instruments used in data collection were questionnaires and interview guide, while information was analyzed through editing, coding, tabulation frequencies and percentages.

The result of this study shows that the involvement of the NGOs in the delivery of the health services has improved the quality, equity and accessibility of health services in the study area from the fact that, NGOs can be more effective, more efficient and cost effective than government in performing certain services especially in reaching the poor and vulnerable societies. Also the study findings show that, health problems such as postpartum, children morbidity and mortality and communicable diseases were reduced. Health awareness to citizens, new health infrastructure and availability of health facilities were increased and more people benefited and enjoyed the increase of quality, equity and accessibility of health services.

The study recommends that, the government should be closer to the NGOs and beneficiaries, so as to assess critically the progress of community health needs in order to promote better life.