Assessing the implementation challenges of donor-funded projects hosted at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI)
1
Project Management, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ethiopia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3063
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
the implementation of donor funded projects often faces significant challenges that undermine their effectiveness and sustainability. Their execution involves multiple factors, including institutional capacity, stakeholder coordination, resource allocation, and alignment with national health priorities.
OBJECTIVE:
the main objective of the study is to assess the implementation challenges of donor-funded projects at EPHI and propose strategies for improvement.
METHODS:
the research approach employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The sampling procedure involves a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques. For the qualitative data, a semi-structured interview has been conducted. Quantitative data has been collected using structured, pretested questionnaires. Applying descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze survey data helps in quantifying the challenges and understanding the relationships between variables.
RESULTS:
The inflexible nature of EPHI’s hierarchy significantly impacts decision-making, a theme supported by both quantitative and qualitative data. Notably, 70.9% of survey respondents believed that rigid hierarchies influenced decision-making ‘Much’ or ‘Very much’. Stakeholder engagement at EPHI is generally perceived as a strong area, with quantitative data showing a very substantial (85.4%) of respondents describing the level of collaboration among stakeholders as ‘High’ or ‘Very high.’ This positive view is well-supported by extensive qualitative evidence from multiple KIIs. Human Resources management at EPHI is characterized by significant challenges, particularly concerning staff capacity utilization and high turnover rates, both of which are strongly evidenced by quantitative and qualitative data. Financial management practices emerge as the strongest significant predictor of project effectiveness, followed by organizational structure and stakeholder engagement.
CONCLUSIONS:
significant systemic weaknesses, most prominently in financial management practices, alongside rigid organizational structures and certain gaps in stakeholder engagement, posed considerable threats to optimal project effectiveness, efficiency, and the full realization of project deliverables.
the implementation of donor funded projects often faces significant challenges that undermine their effectiveness and sustainability. Their execution involves multiple factors, including institutional capacity, stakeholder coordination, resource allocation, and alignment with national health priorities.
OBJECTIVE:
the main objective of the study is to assess the implementation challenges of donor-funded projects at EPHI and propose strategies for improvement.
METHODS:
the research approach employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The sampling procedure involves a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques. For the qualitative data, a semi-structured interview has been conducted. Quantitative data has been collected using structured, pretested questionnaires. Applying descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze survey data helps in quantifying the challenges and understanding the relationships between variables.
RESULTS:
The inflexible nature of EPHI’s hierarchy significantly impacts decision-making, a theme supported by both quantitative and qualitative data. Notably, 70.9% of survey respondents believed that rigid hierarchies influenced decision-making ‘Much’ or ‘Very much’. Stakeholder engagement at EPHI is generally perceived as a strong area, with quantitative data showing a very substantial (85.4%) of respondents describing the level of collaboration among stakeholders as ‘High’ or ‘Very high.’ This positive view is well-supported by extensive qualitative evidence from multiple KIIs. Human Resources management at EPHI is characterized by significant challenges, particularly concerning staff capacity utilization and high turnover rates, both of which are strongly evidenced by quantitative and qualitative data. Financial management practices emerge as the strongest significant predictor of project effectiveness, followed by organizational structure and stakeholder engagement.
CONCLUSIONS:
significant systemic weaknesses, most prominently in financial management practices, alongside rigid organizational structures and certain gaps in stakeholder engagement, posed considerable threats to optimal project effectiveness, efficiency, and the full realization of project deliverables.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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