Identifying Solutions for Capacity Building of Health Sector Non-Governmental Organizations

Background: Capacity building or capacity development in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) helps them to perform their tasks more effectively, achieve objectives, improve performance, and adapt to changing conditions, thereby contributing to their more effective role in promoting community health. This study aimed to identify strategies and solutions for capacity building in health-related NGOs in Iran. Methods: This exploratory qualitative study was conducted between 2021 and 2022. Data were collected through 24 semi-structured in-depth interviews with individuals working in government health-related organizations and health NGOs. The participants were selected non-randomly and through purposeful sampling with maximum diversity. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis methods by MaxQDA10. Results: Based on the analysis of the interview data, 11 strategies for capacity building in health-related NGOs in Iran were identified. These include having a strategic plan, organizational restructuring of NGOs, operational and financial transparency, human resource supply, gaining support from the community, government, and related organizations, forming a database of NGOs, networking among NGOs, and introducing NGOs to the community, universities, and research centers. These strategies were categorized into 5 main themes including planning, organizing, transparency and accountability, resource management, and advertising and networking. Conclusion: To succeed and play a more effective role, health-related NGOs need to enhance and develop their capacities. Focusing on improving planning methods, organizing, transparency and accountability, resource management, and advertising and networking are the main strategies for capacity building in health-related NGOs in Iran.