Title:
TO LAST OR NOT TO LAST- Exploring sustainability strategies of Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and external donor agencies implementing Health Projects in Upper East Region (UER) of Ghana
Authors:
Akurgo, Ernest Nsooya
Year:
2015
PAGE:
vi, 54
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Sustainability; Externally Funded Health Projects; Faith Based Organizations; External Donors.
Abstract:
Background: Sustainability of health interventions is a global concern as externally funded project benefits are often lost as soon as the funding ends. Researchers, policy makers, donors, implementers and communities are often faced with difficulty in answering questions relating to sustainability of health innovations or projects. This paper seeks to explore the sustainability strategies of Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and external donor agencies implementing health projects in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Methods: Existing health science literature on project sustainability was reviewed to understand what has been learned to date about sustainability. Two case studies on FBOs and external donors were carried out to explore their sustainability strategies of projects they implement. Results: In the review, sustainability is defined and used differently in different contexts; we found three distinct dimensions which are used to assess sustainability: Maintaining health benefits achieved through the initial project; Continuation of the program activities within an organizational structure; and building the capacity of the recipient community. Factors that influence sustainability are categorized in to three; project design and implementation factors; factors within the organizational setting and factors in the broader community. In the case studies, FOBs and donors did consider some sustainability strategies in the design and implementation of their projects. The influencing factors noted by FBOs and donors were similar to the finding of the review. Conclusion: there is paucity of evidence of sustainability of health projects but sustainability is possible with the right internal or external influencing factors.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Ghana, Republic of
Region:
West Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2015 Akurgo
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
4rrHihAXrR_20161026144920182.pdf