Non-government organizations in the health field: collaboration, integration and contrasting aims in Africa.

How and why non-government agencies operate their many health projects in less developed countries deserves more than causal mention. Among salient factors are sources and magnitude of funding, size and duration of projects, the philosophy, operation and performance of non-government organizations. Most NGOs have many strengths, vantage points and ability to initiate viable health programmes. Their strengths, however, account for most of their shortcomings such as autonomy, lack of linkages with established health systems and policy isolation. Can the gaps be bridged without loss to the beneficiary country and the NGO and, if so, how?