TITLE:
The role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in healthcare delivery system: A case study of child immunisation in Kabarole district, Uganda
AUTHORS:
Clovice Kankya, Annah Akandinda, Charles B. Rwabukwali
KEYWORDS:
Civil Society Organization (CSO); Healthcare; Kabarole district; Uganda
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.5 No.8,
August
6,
2013
ABSTRACT: Background: The importance of civil society organisations in health
care delivery systems cannot be under-rated in sub-SaharanAfricaand other developing nations worldwide. Civil
society organisations play a central role in service delivery and development
of democracy. However, little is known about the
roles and achievements of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in healthcare. The study aimed at exploring the role of civil society organisations
in health care delivery system particularly in children immunization. Methods: A questionnaire survey involving 282 households was conducted. Data
were analysed using descriptive statistics followed by multivariable logistic
regression. Results: Ninety seven
percent (97%) confirmed that CSOs/NGOs healthcare
facilities played a major role in healthcare service delivery. 84%
travelled long distances to access the healthcare services including child
immunisation services. Travelling long distances (>2 km) to access for health care services
including immunization compared to short distance (enguli) compared to not
having a food store (enguli) (OR = 2.3,
P = 0.002), having separate animal houses compared to not having livestock
houses (OR = 0.09, P = 0.0001), and owning a bicycle compared to not having a
bicycle (OR = 2.2, P = 0.005) are important determinants for the number of
clients at CSO health centers. Further, possessing and using a cellphone
compared to no cellphone (OR = 3.7, P = 0.001), Possessing and watching a
television compared to not having a television (OR = 2.4, P = 0.002), educated
compared to not acquiring any formal education (OR = 0.084, P = 0.0001), and
female compared to male respondent (OR = 0.49, P = 0.0045) are other most
important factors likely to determine the numbers of clients at the CSO
healthcare. Conclusion: Geographies of CSO and community socioeconomics strongly determine the operations and the roles played by the CSO healthcare services in Uganda. Further studies to assess the
role of CSO health service providers in other healthcare services need to be
done.