Transcript Ethics & the work of NGOs/FBOs in Developing Countries

Ethics & the Work of NGOs/FBOs in
Developing Countries
Joseline M. Bruce (BSc)
[email protected]
Presented at Faith-Based Organizations as Pioneers and Partners in Health
Systems Development, May 31, 2005, Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington DC
Introduction
 Helping
those in need cuts across all
religions
 A challenge of scarce resources
 Need
 Not
to maximize Utility
to avoid paternalistic in our zeal
Case 1 – Local Front

Community ‘A’ in Africa in dire need of good
source of drinking water

NGO drills a bore hole

Inhabitants of community did use borehole

Why? …built on football park
Ethical Issues

Was the decision paternalistic?

Was utility maximized?

Can the resources channeled into this project be
justified in the face of scarce resources?
Case 2 – Local Front

Community ‘B’ is in a rural setting

No public toilet facilities nor in their homes

Resorted to using the bush

NGO builds public toilet facilities

Community refuse

Facilities become a white elephant
Ethical Issues

Paternalism on the part of the NGO?

Was utility maximized and the greater good
achieved?

Can the scarce resources invested in the project
be justified?
Case 3 – Global Front


Globally, HIV/AIDS = highest number of
deaths by any single infectious disease
E. g in an Eastern African country :
20.4% ; perinatal & maternal related conditions
 15.4% ; malaria
 10.5% ; acute lower respiratory disease
 9.1% ; AIDS

WHO, 2004
Case 3


However:
Maternal & Perinatal related deaths twice AIDS
related deaths
A lot of donor funds to this country going to
HIV/AIDS related activities
Ethical Issues

Paternalism?

Maximization of utility?

Can allocation of scarce resources be justified?
…In Conclusion


To maximize Utility, there is need for:

Dialogue with communities

Dialogue between countries and donor agencies
Less paternalistic approach
THANK YOU