Effectiveness of Public-Private Partnerships in Improving Maternal Health in Mukono District, Uganda

Harriet Nakanyike
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Kampala University
Email: hnakanyike@yahoo.com

Abstract; The Uganda National Health Policy strengthens the health system by promoting collaboration between the private sector and the public sector health-service providers. The paper established effectiveness of Public-Private Partnerships in improving maternal health in Mukono District. The study employed a cross-sectional design adapting both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The study targeted a total of 210 people from whom a sample size of 137 respondents was determined using Kreijece and Morgan’s table for sample size determination. The study participants were selected from the 45 health facilities which were implementing maternal health interventions in Mukono District. Data was collected through Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions and a questionnaire. Qualitative data was transcribed using Nvivo software while quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. The study revealed that partnerships were effective for administration (74%), followed by financing (67%) and training (59%). The apparent level of effectiveness for utilization of ANC services was due to the satisfactory level at which partnerships are being harnessed (p= 0.006).The study concludes that, the effect of Public-private partnerships (PPPH) in Mukono is deemed to be geared towards administrative, financial support and training but actually not in service provision since the components that are mostly utilized are ANC and HIV-PMTCT services. The study recommended that service delivery should address the critical areas like caesarean section, dilatation and curettage and partnerships should address provision of emergence obstetrical care services.