Health Workers’ Perception of Health System Strengthening by International Development and Non-Governmental Organizations in a Nigerian Setting

Abstract

Introduction: We used the WHO building blocks of Health Care Strengthening to assess the perception of Health care services providers and managers of HSS interventions by International Development Organizations (ID) and International Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) carried out over a 5-year in a state in Northcentral Nigeria. Methodology: This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire adapted from the WHO HSS building blocks. In addition to the six building blocks, community linkage was included. 120 health care workers from facilities in Kogi state were selected on the basis of the high volume of deliveries from health facilities. Their perception of the overall community benefits arising from HSS interventions was assessed. Results: Respondents expressed satisfaction 272 (73.5%). Direct benefits to the health facilities were improved service delivery 168 (45.4%), Health workforce development leading to an increase in the number of Skilled Birth Attendants115 (31.1%), and medical products, vaccines, and technologies supply 75 (20.3%). The respondents believed that the health workforce and service delivery received the best benefits from HSS interventions. The overall perception of respondents was fair and supportive of HSS intervention by ID/NGO. Health workforce and service delivery were the areas most strengthened, followed by medical products, vaccines, and technologies. Conclusion: The majority of respondents believed that HSS intervention by ID/NGOs has positive effects on the building block of sector strengthening especially on leadership, governance, service delivery, medical supplies, vaccines, and technology.