Influence of Resource Mobilization Strategies on Sustainability of Maternal Health Programmes: the Case of Beyond Zero Campaign, Kenya

Abstract

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the majority of women give birth in rural homes, and for every 10 infants born, 6% face birth-related mortality, or the mother loses her life during childbirth. Many surviving children encounter additional health challenges that are difficult to cope with. Without the essential maternal healthcare services provided by healthcare institutions in various regions, both mothers and children are at risk of losing their lives. This study aimed to investigate how resource mobilization strategies impact the sustainability of maternal health programs, focusing on the case of the Beyond Zero campaign in Kenya. Specifically, the study examined the influence of acquiring financial resources, obtaining physical resources, fostering community participation, and managing human resources on the sustainability of maternal health programs in Kenya. To conduct this research, a descriptive survey research method was employed. The study population comprised 142 staff members at various managerial levels working at the Beyond Zero campaign's headquarters in Nairobi. The selection of 107 respondents was done using stratified random sampling, with the sample size calculated using the Krejcie and Morgan formula. Primary data was collected for this study, and the primary data collection tool was a questionnaire. To ensure the questionnaire's validity, a pilot study was conducted. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and SPSS (Version 25) to calculate percentages, means, standard deviations, and frequencies. For qualitative data, content analysis was used. Correlation analysis was employed to determine the strength of the relationship between the study variables, and multiple regression was conducted to assess the impact of resource mobilization strategies on the sustainability of maternal health programs, specifically in the context of the Beyond Zero campaign in Kenya. The findings of the study revealed that the Beyond Zero initiative acquires funds through an annual organization half-marathon, grants from international organizations and governments, and various other sources. However, it remained uncertain whether employees were required to provide volunteer support to the community, if employees' social attributes were considered during their recruitment, if employees received effective training for their tasks, and whether employees' personal attributes were taken into account during the hiring process. Additionally, it was unclear whether the Beyond Zero initiative acquired the materials needed for its operations, had appropriate buildings and offices for its activities, and ensured the proper allocation of materials to ensure efficient functioning. Furthermore, the study showed that community leaders were consulted during project planning. In terms of the factors influencing the sustainability of maternal health programs in Kenya, the research concluded that the acquisition of physical resources had the most significant impact (0.737), followed by community participation (0.733), while the acquisition of financial resources (0.650) had a slightly lower influence. Mapping human resources (0.383) had the least impact on the sustainability of maternal health programs in Kenya. Based on these findings, the study recommends that maternal health programs should collaborate with all stakeholders to mobilize resources for implementing their strategies effectively. Additionally, the study suggests conducting capacity-building sessions for program members and committee members to equip them with the necessary knowledge for designing and sustaining maternal health programs.