EFFECTIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS WORKING IN THE AREA OF MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH IN THE KUMBUNGU DISTRICT OF THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a critical role in developing countries, improving communities, health and promoting citizen participation. This study was conducted to assess effectiveness and sustainability of non-governmental organizations working in the area of maternal and child health in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region of Ghana. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design using a mixed method approach. Sample size of 145 were included in the study. The study participants included health staff from the Ghana Health Service, staff of NGOs, beneficiary women, community health committee members and volunteers, opinion leaders and traditional birth attendants. Participants were recruited for the study using both quantitative and qualitative sampling techniques. Quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire and Qualitative data was collected using a key informant interview guide. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0 and Microsoft word excel 2013 and qualitative data was analyzed through coding data and transcription. From the results, 70% of the beneficiary women agreed that, NGOs provided what has not been provided by the public system whilst 15% of the participants disagreed that, beneficiaries required financial obligation to access the services rendered by NGOs. NGOs were however seen to be effective in complementing government in maternal and child healthcare. In effect, 90.5% of respondents said NGO programs are sustainable through planned coaching visits and regular supervision. The study concluded that, NGOs were effective and sustainable in the provision of maternal and child health services to the people at the study area. The study recommended that, NGOs should involve community members in the planning and implementation of their activities at the study setting to promote sustainability of the programmes.