The dynamics of the relationship between religious organizations and the government on healthcare interventions in Tanzania since 1990s

Abstract

The relationship between Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) and the government on healthcare provision in Tanzania has evolved over time. This study focused on examining how the new Faith Based Organisations relate with the government in their healthcare activities from 1990s to date. The results from this study are situated in the larger historical and theoretical underpinnings on the relationship between Faith Based Organisations and the government on healthcare activities in Tanzania. Using ethnographic approaches, this study aimed to uncover how the new FBOs and the government relate to each other on healthcare interventions since 1990s in the context of the changing social, economic and political contexts. Results showed that the socio-economic and political context since 1990s created more space for the new FBOs to strengthen their visibility on healthcare provision activities, as well as enhance their social, religious and policy agenda in the country. Furthermore, the relationship between the new FBOs and the government on healthcare provisions was embedded in longstanding history of religious diversity in Tanzania that was characterized by the need for the Muslim and Christian communities to harmoniously enhance their relationship with each other and the government based on power, faith and politics.