This study researched the sustainability of USG aid-funded local NGOs in the Namibian
health sector. The first objective of the study was to analyse the continuity of NGO
operations and the likely consequences of reduced PEPFAR funding on the key
programmatic areas of NGOs such as the HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support services.
The second objective was to investigate the other sources of funding that may be available
to ensure sustainability of the NGOs.
The study largely employed a qualitative approach and a descriptive analysis technique was
used. A comparative case study assessment of seven NGOs that had received
USAID/PEPFAR funding at any point during the period 2007-2013 was provided. The NGOs
included Catholic AIDS Action, Church Alliance for Orphans, Katutura Youth Enterprise
Centre, Nawa Life Trust, Project HOPE, Society for Family Health and Lilfe/Line Child/Line.
The research findings were analysed and used to develop a set of conclusions and
recommendations that could help to improve funding, ensure continuity of NGOs and sustain
the health gains achieved over the years. The study found that on average PEPFAR
constituted 80 per cent of the NGOs’ revenue and that due to the reduction in funding as well
as the shift in PEPFAR’s focus to HIV treatment as prevention, the health gains achieved
over the years could potentially be reversed if this behaviour did not change.
The research suggested, amongst others, that the long-term sustainability of the
programmes and the continuity of NGOs is dependent upon support from local governments.
Literature has shown that local governments elsewhere have acknowledged the role that
NGOs play and, therefore, created systems to allocate funding to NGOs, which practices
can be extended to the Namibian situation. The recommendations further encouraged NGOs
to embark on self-financing strategies by appointing dedicated personnel with the capacity to
focus on fundraising activities with a target of achieving 50 per cent of income selfgenerated.