NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 1 Nongovernmental Agencies Involved in Global Issues

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Capella university

NURS FPX 8014 Global Population Health

Prof. Name

Date

Nongovernmental Agencies Involved in Global Issues

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to be a significant global health challenge, currently affecting approximately 42.3 million individuals worldwide. Its progression to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) poses severe health risks. Both nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and government entities have actively participated in curbing the disease’s spread by implementing targeted strategies (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). This paper explores how these two sectors differ in their approaches to managing HIV/AIDS and highlights the contributions of key organizations such as Frontline AIDS.

Distinctions Between NGOs and Government-Sponsored Programs

Although NGOs and government-run health organizations play crucial roles in addressing international health issues, their structures, resources, and strategic approaches vary. NGOs operate independently of government control and are typically nonprofit. Their funding is drawn from various sources, including grants, private donors, and philanthropic foundations. These organizations often focus on specific health concerns and implement community-centered initiatives (Sanadgol et al., 2022). With fewer bureaucratic hurdles, NGOs possess the flexibility to respond swiftly to health emergencies by providing services such as screenings, awareness campaigns, and direct care (Sanadgol et al., 2022).

Conversely, governmental health agencies, financed by taxpayers, oversee national and international public health programs. These organizations are responsible for policy development, research, and implementing large-scale health campaigns (Zhang et al., 2023). Their efforts typically address broader health systems and community health needs through coordinated, top-down initiatives.

Case Example: Frontline AIDS and the WHO

Frontline AIDS, founded in 1993, is a prominent NGO committed to ending HIV and AIDS globally. Operating across regions such as Africa, Asia, and Europe, the organization champions community-led HIV/AIDS solutions while advocating for robust global responses. Between 2020 and 2022, Frontline AIDS received roughly SEK 90 million from Swedish aid to support the Global Plan of Action 2020–2025, aiming for an AIDS-free future. Approximately 96.72% of these funds were allocated to reproductive health and population policies (Openaid, 2020).

In partnership with over 60 entities, including the Global Fund—which has raised about \$5 billion for HIV/AIDS response—Frontline AIDS collaborates with local stakeholders to deliver tailored health services (Frontline AIDS, 2024c). The organization’s strengths lie in its adaptability, targeted interventions, and ability to mobilize resources efficiently to address immediate community health needs.

On the governmental side, the World Health Organization (WHO) was established in 1948 as a specialized United Nations agency responsible for global public health leadership. With a biannual budget of approximately \$5.84 billion for 2022–2023, WHO’s funding comes from member states and voluntary contributions. Its Global HIV Program monitors the implementation of international strategies to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 (WHO, 2024). WHO operates through six regional offices and works alongside its 194 member countries, offering comprehensive health guidelines, research, and coordinated public health responses (WHO, 2022a).

Public Health NGOs Versus Governmental Health Agencies

NGOs like Frontline AIDS offer distinct advantages over government-funded initiatives. Their operational flexibility allows them to adapt swiftly to community health needs (Rajabi et al., 2023). For example, Frontline AIDS has provided reproductive and sexual health services to nearly 7.8 million people worldwide in pursuit of HIV/AIDS eradication. In contrast, government bodies such as WHO often experience delays due to bureaucratic procedures, which can hinder timely interventions.

Another strength of NGOs is their ability to focus on specific diseases and communities. Frontline AIDS designs HIV/AIDS programs based on regional healthcare systems and local epidemiological patterns, while WHO implements global policies that may not always address unique community challenges (Sanadgol et al., 2022).

Furthermore, NGOs engage more directly with local populations, fostering trust and enhancing program effectiveness through community participation. Their funding models, sourced from charitable donations and private sector grants, provide financial diversity and enable more customized healthcare initiatives (Frontline AIDS, 2024a). Conversely, WHO’s budget, though steady, is politically influenced and less flexible in targeting specific community needs.

While WHO’s leadership in developing international health policies remains unparalleled, its effectiveness at the grassroots level often falls short compared to NGOs like Frontline AIDS. The latter organization continuously adjusts its intervention strategies based on local community feedback and healthcare demands, ensuring relevance and impact (Teijema et al., 2021).

Shared Challenges for NGOs and Governmental Programs

Despite their strengths, both NGOs and governmental programs encounter obstacles. NGOs like Frontline AIDS frequently face funding uncertainties, which can compromise program continuity and scalability (Chiliza et al., 2021). In contrast, government agencies such as WHO benefit from stable financial backing but may struggle with operational agility.

Geographic reach and operational scope also differ significantly. While WHO has a vast international presence, allowing it to tackle systemic public health concerns, NGOs often focus on specific health issues within limited regions. Consequently, NGO programs may lack the infrastructure and capacity for large-scale health system reforms (Abbas et al., 2022).

Furthermore, NGOs typically lack the authority to enforce public health regulations and must rely on advocacy and partnerships to influence policy. Meanwhile, governmental agencies possess regulatory power, enabling them to establish and enforce health legislation (Zhang et al., 2023). Another notable challenge for NGOs is navigating partnerships with diverse stakeholders, which can create gaps in service delivery and coordination (Rajabi et al., 2021).

Criteria for NGO Involvement in Health Initiatives

NGOs determine their involvement in public health issues through evidence-based criteria, which include disease prevalence, health impact, existing response gaps, and organizational capacity. These criteria are developed using needs assessments, surveys, community consultations, and epidemiological data.

Frontline AIDS, for instance, evaluates morbidity and mortality rates to gauge HIV/AIDS severity. Regions with high disease burdens, such as Africa (where 65% of cases occur), receive prioritized attention. The organization also considers factors like access to healthcare, social disparities, and the vulnerability of affected communities (Fattahi et al., 2023).

To engage Frontline AIDS, proposals must present comprehensive data on HIV/AIDS prevalence, healthcare infrastructure limitations, and community-specific needs. Strong proposals highlight the health issue’s magnitude, anticipated impact, and the program’s long-term viability, substantiated by reliable evidence (Fattahi et al., 2023).

Practicum Research and Interview Insights

My practicum research and interviews yielded valuable insights, confirming some assumptions while challenging others. Initially, I perceived government health initiatives as overly complex and slow-moving. However, participants clarified that, despite administrative challenges, such programs benefit from extensive infrastructure and long-term viability.

Additionally, I assumed NGOs to be entirely nimble, but interviews revealed constraints, including donor expectations and financial limitations. As expected, NGOs excel at community engagement, while government agencies possess the reach and authority for large-scale health initiatives. I was particularly struck by the extent of collaboration between the two sectors, reaffirming the importance of integrated efforts to enhance public health outcomes (Rajabi et al., 2021).

These insights will shape my future professional practices. I intend to advocate for blended health strategies that combine the adaptability of NGOs with the sustainability and systemic influence of government programs. I aim to emphasize community participation and foster partnerships among diverse health stakeholders.

Conclusion

Tackling global health crises like HIV/AIDS requires coordinated efforts between NGOs and government agencies. NGOs, including Frontline AIDS, bring operational flexibility and grassroots engagement, while government bodies like WHO offer institutional stability and a comprehensive reach. Integrating the strengths of both can optimize public health interventions, improve community health outcomes, and accelerate progress toward global health goals.

References

Abbas, M., Raza, S., & Wajid, M. (2022). Strengthening global health systems: The role of government agencies and nongovernmental organizations. Journal of Global Health Reports, 6(1), e2022014. https://doi.org/10.29392/001c.31574

NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 1 Nongovernmental Agencies Involved in Global Issues

Chiliza, B., Saeed, A., & Smith, M. (2021). Health systems, funding challenges, and the role of NGOs in sub-Saharan Africa. Global Public Health, 16(2), 187–199. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2020.1751235

Fattahi, Z., Ghasemi, A., & Nejadghaderi, S. A. (2023). Priority setting for public health NGOs: A case study on HIV/AIDS programs. BMC Health Services Research, 23, 1045. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-10045-2

Frontline AIDS. (2024a). Our work. https://frontlineaids.org/our-work/

Frontline AIDS. (2024b). Annual report 2023. https://frontlineaids.org/annual-report-2023/

Frontline AIDS. (2024c). Partners and supporters. https://frontlineaids.org/partners-and-supporters/

Openaid. (2020). Swedish aid to Frontline AIDS 2020–2022. https://openaid.se/

Rajabi, A., Shams, M., & Vameghi, R. (2021). The role of NGOs in promoting health equity in developing countries. International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 36(4), 1011–1023. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpm.3140

Sanadgol, F., Jahangiri, K., & Saeedi, S. (2022). NGOs in health systems: Operational flexibility and limitations. Health Policy and Planning, 37(5), 567–576. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czac010

Teijema, M., Kallestrup, P., & Sahle, B. (2021). Collaborating for health: Partnerships between WHO and NGOs in HIV/AIDS management. Global Health Action, 14(1), 1919563. https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2021.1919563

World Health Organization. (2022a). Global health sector strategy on HIV 2022–2030. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240053779

NURS FPX 8014 Assessment 1 Nongovernmental Agencies Involved in Global Issues

World Health Organization. (2024). HIV/AIDS data and statistics. https://www.who.int/health-topics/hiv-aids

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