The dynamics of the character and content of new faith-based organisations’ healthcare interventions in urban Tanzania: an ethnographic inquiry of Bethel Revival Temple and Africa Muslim Agency

Faith based organisations (FBOs) have been providing healthcare services in Africa since the 19th century. However, in recent decades, new FBOs such as Pentecostal and Muslim revivalist organisations emerged as one of the important actors in the provisions of healthcare services in light of the changing socio- economic, political and technological development since 1990s. This article explores the character and content of the healthcare activities conducted by new faith based organisations in the context of these changes. The article examines the role of religious values in shaping the character and content of the new FBOs healthcare activities in the light of changing socio-economic, political and technological development since 1990s to date. The study used ethnographic approaches such as participant observation, key informant interview and focus group discussion. The study found that the healthcare interventions of the new FBOs embodied moral values to both beneficiaries and healthcare workers, had the capacity to generate social capital for their beneficiaries in the contexts of weakened social ties since 1990s; characterised by the use of social media in the execution of their healthcare interventions with a focus of attracting more beneficiaries; and public recognition of their work. The study concludes that, the character and content of the new FBOs healthcare interventions were shaped by the socio-economic, technological and political changes since 1990s to date. The study recommends for policies that recognise the role of healthcare social support and non-clinical services on the overall health system.