Non-governmental organizations in the health field: collaboration, integration and contrasting aims

Non-governmental organizations, from being voluntary agencies often with relief or religious mission orientations, have become very important players in the field of social development. In this paper something is given of their evolution, diversity, aims and activities; and of the important role they now play in many instances, as well as some of the obstacles to collaboration, co-ordination and integration at different levels of operation--internationally, nationally and locally.