Character and content dynamics in healthcare interventions by emerging faith-based organizations: An ethnographic perspective in urban Tanzania

Abstract

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) have a long history of providing healthcare services in Africa dating back to the 19th century. In recent decades, the emergence of new FBOs, including Pentecostal and Muslim revivalist organizations, has significantly influenced healthcare provision amidst evolving socio-economic, political, and technological developments since the 1990s. This article presents findings from a primary research study that explored the character and content of healthcare activities conducted by these new FBOs in response to these changes. The study investigates how religious values shape the character and content of healthcare activities undertaken by new FBOs within dynamic socio-economic, political, and technological contexts from the 1990s to the present. Ethnographic methods, such as participant observation, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, were employed to gather insights. The findings demonstrate that healthcare interventions by new FBOs are infused with moral values, impacting both beneficiaries and healthcare workers. These interventions contribute to generating social capital for beneficiaries in the context of weakened social ties since the 1990s, leveraging international connections for funding and utilizing social media to expand their reach and gain public recognition. The study concludes that, the character and content of healthcare interventions by new FBOs have been significantly influenced by socio-economic, technological, and political changes since the 1990s. The study recommends policy initiatives that acknowledge the importance of healthcare social support and non-clinical services in strengthening the overall health system.