Developing an Understanding of the factors related to the effective functioning of Community Health Committees in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the factors related to the functioning of Community Health Committees in Nelston MandelaBay Municipality. It intended to elicit information on factors which promote and inhibit their effective functioning. It used the qualitative research methods of focus group discussions, concluded with a sample of Community Health Committee members, and in depth, individual interviews with key informants. The contents of the transcriptions of all focus group discussions and in-depth individual interviews were analysed so as to identify the recurring themes and key suggestions.The findings indicated that Community Health Committees are not functioning as per their original intention and that relevant policies have not been accurately translated into practice.