International NGOs: Doers or Donors?

Abstract

In Chapter 2 we suggested that NGOs could be divided by operational geography into two broad groups, international NGOs (INGOs) and country NGOs (CYNGOs). This chapter will look more closely at the first of these, INGOs. We define INGOs as NGOs which operate mainly, but not necessarily exclusively, outside their own country of origin. Most INGOs were originally developed by concerned individuals in response to particular historical circumstance and opportunities. The characteristics of any particular INGO reflect both its particular origins and stage of organizational development. Most of the more well-known INGOs are products of the twentieth century, and very few had a role in the initial development of modern health care in the countries in which they now operate. Many, however, were involved in the introduction of Primary Health Care policies. Although INGOs are a very heterogenous group and thus difficult to describe in all their complexity, this chapter will consider a number of broad issues relevant to the work of INGOs in the health sector of developing countries. These will include their various types, origins and particular characteristics. Not all aspects will be applicable to all INGOs.