The Rise of NGOs in Global Health Governance and Credibility Issues in the 21st Century

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Published: Dec 29, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/hapscpbs.29516
Keywords:
NGOs Global Health Governance World Health Organization United Nations International Health
Symeon Sidiropoulos
Department of Economics, University of Piraeus; Hellenic Association of Political Scientists, Greece
Alkinoos Emmanouil-Kalos
Department of Economics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Hellenic Association of Political Scientists, HAPSc Committee on Political Economy, Greece
Maria Eirini Kanakaki
Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus; Hellenic Association of Political Scientists, Greece.
Athanassios Vozikis
Department of Economics, University of Piraeus; Laboratory of Health Economics and Management, University of Piraeus, Greece.
Abstract

NGOs/ CBOs have emerged as an integral pillar of both global and national governance, and are recognized as such by the official institutions founded after World War II. This is evident from the important gaps they are called upon to fill, their formal partnerships with international organizations and national governments, and the funding they manage for this purpose. Global health is perhaps the area where NGO activity has made the biggest difference. Over the last two decades, however, issues of transparency, effectiveness and, in some cases, legitimacy of their activities have arisen. This policy brief examines the circumstances that have led to the consolidation of NGOs in the international stage, and the reasons why their existence is vital. Finally, a framework that will restore and strengthen their credibility is envisaged, which in turn could potentially enhance their effectiveness too.

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Author Biographies
Symeon Sidiropoulos, Department of Economics, University of Piraeus; Hellenic Association of Political Scientists, Greece
Department of Economics, University of Piraeus; President of the Hellenic Association of Political Scientists, Greece
Alkinoos Emmanouil-Kalos, Department of Economics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Hellenic Association of Political Scientists, HAPSc Committee on Political Economy, Greece
Department of Economics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Hellenic Association of Political Scientists, HAPSc Committee on Political Economy, Greece
Maria Eirini Kanakaki, Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus; Hellenic Association of Political Scientists, Greece.
Department of International and European Studies, University of Piraeus; Hellenic Association of Political Scientists, Greece.
Athanassios Vozikis, Department of Economics, University of Piraeus; Laboratory of Health Economics and Management, University of Piraeus, Greece.
Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Piraeus; Director of the Laboratory of Health Economics and Management, University of Piraeus, Greece.
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