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 part in developing society, 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. A sample of 100 reapondents 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 selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0 and Microsoft word excels 2013 and content analysis. From the results, 70% of the beneficiary women agreed with the statement that, NGOs provided what has not been provided by the public system whilst 15% of the participants disagreed with the statement that, beneficiaries require financial obligation to access the services rendered by NGOs. The results further showed that, 88% of the participants disagreed with the statement that, interventions of NGOs fits into their social settings. Based on the findings presented in this study, it was concluded that, NGOs were effective 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.