Project Management Hurdles in Public Health Interventions in Developing Countries

Author

Irene Ogbuefi, Harrisburg University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Completion Date

Spring 6-14-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Program or Discipline Name

Project Management

Secondary Program or Discipline Name

Project Management

First Advisor

Philip D Mann

Second Advisor

Thomas P Wise

Abstract

Wealth disparity between developing countries and developing countries has created a gap yearning to be filled in certain sectors of the economy. The health sector in resource-poor settings struggle to provide human, capital and financial resources needed to combat some of the diseases plaguing them. To improve global healthcare goals, Development Assistance for Health (DAH) has been the saving grace. DAH provides technical and financial resources required to combat diseases like HIV/AIDs, Malaria and TB. However, the wind of change is blowing in the direction of in-country ownership for public health projects. DAH funding is dwindling but sustainability efforts from developing countries shows lapses in the implementation of public health interventions without total reliance on foreign aid. This study explores sustainability challenges from a project management perspective. Eighty six percent (86%) of the studies reviewed flagged project management gaps (resource constraints, suboptimal strategic planning and lack of employee motivation). Eighty one percent (81%) of the studies revealed that overreliance on donor funding slows efforts at sustainability. Seventy one percent (71%) of the studies identified issues revolving around governance (coordination and compliance, health policies and political will). Sixty seven (67%) of the studies concluded that sustainability efforts will be abortive without a steady stream of public funding.

The core domains of sustainability (political support, fund stability, effective communication and strategic vision) can be strengthened using the project management discipline. Stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation to assess performance, effective communication and change management are project management competences that can make a difference. There is an urgent need to boost leadership capacities that will drive strong health systems governance and improve publicly funded project outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Ogbuefi, I. (2024). Project Management Hurdles in Public Health Interventions in Developing Countries. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.harrisburgu.edu/dandt/26