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Name
Capella University
NURS FPX 8014 Global Population Health
Prof. Name
Date
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, global connectedness plays a vital role in enhancing healthcare across communities, populations, and countries. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and governmental bodies have taken the lead in promoting global well-being and addressing public health challenges. These organizations have proven their ability to tackle local health issues and improve health outcomes.
In assessing healthcare resources and services, as well as the overall health of the population, it becomes evident that these are crucial indicators of societal progress, irrespective of wealth (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). Both governmental agencies and NGOs have been established to collaborate in alleviating health disparities on a global scale (GrantSpace, n.d.). It is essential for nurses to understand the partnerships between these entities and their influence on global health conditions. This paper will explore the roles of NGOs and governmental organizations in this domain, comparing the advantages of NGOs over government-run agencies, discussing the challenges both face, outlining the selection criteria for NGOs focused on specific concerns, and providing insights from a public health officer regarding recent issues and their resolution by the organization they represent.
There is a notable distinction between NGOs and governmental public health organizations. An NGO is a non-profit entity that strives to promote health equity and accessibility for all individuals. This mission is pursued through advocacy, enhancing health literacy, and disease prevention by improving health outcomes and advancing social justice (Sisaye et al., 2021). Unlike governmental organizations, NGOs are independent and not controlled or directed by any specific government (GrantSpace, n.d.). Typically, NGOs are established to address specific issues or concerns and aim to positively influence health disparities globally (Sisaye et al., 2021). While many NGOs operate as non-profit entities, they may also function for profit, applying for government funding without being directed by governmental authorities. No single individual owns an NGO.
NGOs can be categorized into two main types: operational and campaigning. Operational NGOs focus on implementing projects deemed necessary to facilitate change (Sisaye, 2021). Their efforts are aimed at public service applications that directly meet identified needs and objectives (Sanadgol et al., 2021). These NGOs engage in various areas, including poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and environmental concerns. In contrast, campaigning NGOs concentrate on influencing political systems and improving infrastructure, particularly in healthcare (Sanadgol et al., 2021). Previously criticized for using fear tactics, these organizations have evolved into humanitarian NGOs, embodying the spirit of empowerment for the communities they serve (GrantSpace, n.d.). Funding for NGOs primarily comes from memberships and donations.
Conversely, governmental public health organizations are an integral part of the government they serve, focusing on assessment, policy development, and assurance. Their core functions include monitoring health status, resolving community health issues, and diagnosing health problems. Policy development is achieved through community education and empowerment regarding health matters. These organizations also enforce regulations designed to safeguard public health and safety, continuously evaluating the accessibility, effectiveness, and quality of public health programs.
It is important to note that NGOs operating in public health do not directly compete with non-profit organizations. Despite potentially receiving government funding, NGOs maintain their independence from government control and operate globally, contributing to public health (Sisaye et al., 2021). In contrast, governmental public health organizations are state-run entities responsible for setting healthcare policy, regulatory oversight, implementing public health initiatives, and compiling official government health statistics.
NGOs solicit and manage donations from private sources, which helps finance initiatives in economic development, medical research, education, and other areas through grants, membership fees, service sales, cooperative agreements, and government contracts. Government-sponsored programs seek state funding for beneficial projects (Sisaye et al., 2021). The distribution and determination of government funds depend on specific legislation governing the funds. The application process for government-sponsored funding is often complex and competitive, requiring applicants to demonstrate the public benefit. In contrast, aid requests from NGOs tend to be more straightforward, facilitating easier access to support for those in need.
Public health NGOs have emerged as alternative healthcare providers across the globe (Sanadgol et al., 2021), working towards goals similar to those of governmental organizations (Sayaiford et al., 2022). They often face fewer financial constraints and experience less bureaucratic backlog than governmental agencies. NGOs can deliver healthcare services more swiftly and efficiently to populations facing financial difficulties, food insecurity, and resource inequities. They can tailor their focus to specific local areas rather than spreading resources thin across a nation, allowing them to address the immediate needs of targeted global populations.
On the other hand, governmental public health programs are heavily reliant on national resources and revenue. Financial constraints can lead to program cuts, while governmental agencies often grapple with burdensome regulatory practices that hamper productivity. The effectiveness of these agencies is closely tied to the demand for services and compliance with regulations. As government agencies strive to address multiple health concerns simultaneously, this can result in unequal funding and failed programs. Although governmental programs are equipped with robust data collection tools to measure success, they may still struggle to achieve their objectives.
In comparison, public health NGOs present several advantages over governmental initiatives. They tend to be more agile and capable of quickly responding to emerging public health challenges. While government organizations juggle various responsibilities, public health NGOs typically focus on specific issues, allowing them to concentrate their efforts and devise specialized solutions without the burden of broader public health mandates (Sisaye, 2021). This specialized focus enables NGOs to innovate and test new strategies before implementing them in official programs. Moreover, public health NGOs often foster stronger community connections, enhancing their ability to engage populations in health initiatives (Sisaye, 2021). They also benefit from greater creative freedom, enabling them to access philanthropic funding to supplement government resources.
Public health NGOs encounter a range of challenges distinct from those faced by government-sponsored initiatives. A significant hurdle is securing funding, as public health NGOs must establish their financial sources while governmental programs are primarily funded through taxes. Additionally, NGOs lack the legal authority to mandate citizen participation in their programs, a limitation not faced by governmental organizations (Sisaye, 2021). While governments typically enjoy stability, NGOs may be vulnerable to changing donor priorities or political motivations that can jeopardize their funding. Consequently, NGOs often navigate a landscape influenced by political dynamics.
Public health NGOs frequently operate with fewer resources and personnel than governmental organizations, which can hinder their outreach and effectiveness (Sisaye, 2021). They often work in challenging or hostile environments, complicating their operations. Moreover, many NGOs struggle to maintain transparency and prevent financial misappropriation due to insufficient monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
Some NGOs concentrate on specific issues such as health, education, or women’s rights, while others focus on particular populations or regions. An NGO’s decision to concentrate on a specific need is often based on the community’s identified challenges (WHO, 2021). Various factors determine an NGO’s activities, including the particular disease, cause, or population it aims to support. Once an NGO identifies an area of involvement, it assesses where funding and resources will have the most significant impact (Sanadgol et al., 2021). In low-income or developing countries, where access to healthcare is limited, this criterion can guide the NGO’s initiatives (Sanadgol et al., 2021). The NGO’s engagement in healthcare issues will depend on the nature of the concern, and the methodology for obtaining donations may also play a role in determining involvement. NGOs can apply for assistance as representatives of affected populations, submitting formal requests to governmental entities or other NGOs for support (GrantSpace, n.d.). The criteria for addressing healthcare needs depend on global issues and their impact on the lives of the populations served. Ultimately, an NGO’s primary objective is to assist those in need and improve their quality of life.
My attempts to interview an NGO leader or public health official presented numerous challenges. Initially, I sought to organize an interview with an NGO leader or public health representative to gain firsthand insights into the organization’s operations, challenges, funding, and current focus areas. However, the two individuals I considered did not become available for an interview. One of them suggested a meeting in two weeks via WhatsApp. Despite my determination to secure a successful conversation with a spokesperson working in a remote community facing health challenges, my expectations did not materialize as planned.
Fortunately, my interview with a Baltimore County public health leader proved invaluable. He highlighted the necessity of collaboration between public health NGOs and governmental organizations, emphasizing the current decline in public healthcare budgets. He reiterated the renewed recognition of public health’s importance, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shifted the focus of state, local, and federal organizations toward population health.
About the Non-Governmental Organization Constituency. (2021). WHO. https://punch.who.int/about-punch/constituencies/non-governmental-organizations/about-the-non-governmental-organizations-constituency
Sanadgol, A., Dashmangir, L., Majdzadeh, R., & Gordeev, V. (2021). Engagement of non-governmental organizations in moving towards universal health coverage: A scoping review. Global Health, 17(129). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-021-00778-1
Sayaiford, A., Nazari, M., Rajabif, M., Ghadirian, L., & Sajadi, H. (2022). Identifying the non-governmental organization’s activities and challenges in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. BMC Public Health, 22(704). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13288-w
Sisaye, S., & Cummings, K. (2021). Overview of healthcare policies and programs: The role of NGOs in public health. International Journal of Healthcare Management, 14(2), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/20479700.2018.1539197
World Health Organization. (2022). The world health report 2022. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240069897
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