Student Dissertation 1st Batch

Assessing Participation of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in Selected Health Programs in Bangladesh

                                             Emilita A. Monville-Oro

Abstract

For the past decade, Bangladesh demonstrated improving health indicators (NIPORT, 2004); yet, it continues to face the challenges brought about by the interlocking factors of poverty, especially ill health. Initiatives from global up to community level have recognized the contributions of social mobilization in achieving effective, efficient and sustainable health programs. At the heart of social mobilization is the proactive participation of community itself through Community-based organizations (CBOs). Participation has been defined and viewed as a means and an end emphasizing the need for active involvement of the community in managing their own health. In Bangladesh, the government, non-government organizations (NGOs), private sectors and donor agencies have combined their efforts to promote people’s participation through social mobilization. BRAC and Plan Bangladesh, for example, have capitalized on the participation of the CBOs in their health programs. But, the question is: “Are these CBOs actively participating or is it just the passive participation?” Little has been done and documented in deliberately and systematically analyzing the depth of participation and understanding the dynamics of the key actors and the different factors that determine people’s participation. This study was then conducted to examine the nature, extent and determinants of participation of CBOs in selected health programs in Bangladesh.

© School of Public Health, BRAC University