Ethics

1
Ethics the Work of NGOs/FBOs in Developing
Countries

• Joseline M. Bruce (BSc)
• josbruce_at_hotmail.com
• Presented at Faith-Based Organizations as
  Pioneers and Partners in Health
• Systems Development, May 31, 2005, Omni Shoreham
  Hotel, Washington DC

2
Introduction

• Helping those in need cuts across all religions
• A challenge of scarce resources
• Need to maximize Utility
• Not to avoid paternalistic in our zeal

3
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

4
Ethical Issues

• Was the decision paternalistic?
• Was utility maximized?
• Can the resources channeled into this project be
  justified in the face of scarce resources?

5
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

6
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?

7
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

8
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

9
Ethical Issues

• Paternalism?
• Maximization of utility?
• Can allocation of scarce resources be justified?

10
In Conclusion

• To maximize Utility, there is need for
• Dialogue with communities
• Dialogue between countries and donor agencies
• Less paternalistic approach

11
THANK YOU