Title: Hanlon method for prioritization health problems modified for being used by Non-Governmental development organizations in a rural area in Benin

Abstract

International Cooperation and Development has undergone notable changes in the last recent decades and Non-Governmental Development Organizations(NGDOs) have acquired a great importance. Benin is one of the countries of sub-Saharan Africa with the most dramatic development indicators. Many NGDOs are focusing on Nikki, one of the less developedcommunities in the north-east of the country. There is evidence that quantitative prioritization methods are an optimal element to establish which health problems require the highest priority action and they also constitute an element of distributional equity. However, in countries such as Benin, their appliance is scarce, and no valid references of its use were identified in the bibliography. In this study, we modify the Hanlon method forprioritization health problemsadapting it to both, Nikki's social-sanitary characteristics and to their use by small NGDOs for the creation of health programs in the field of InternationalCooperation andDevelopment. The Modified Hanlon Method concluded after analyzing the 13 most relevant problems in the health zone that "Malaria", "Pregnancy, childbirth and perinatal diseases" and "Malnutrition" were a top priority for the development of cooperation programs by small NGDOs. In addition, an effective action carried on that 3 main health problems would have a positive impact on other relevant health problems such as "Anemias". Furthermore, the 3 highest priority health problems represented directly and indirectly two thirds of the total priority based on its impact, frequency, severityand resolution capacity. This work concludes that the use ofquantitative prioritization methodsonce adapted to the tactical and operational planning and to the targeted area are effective in order to determine the prior health problems in the scope of International Cooperation carried out by NGDOs.

Biography

Medical degree (University of Valladolid). Red cross (Valladolid association). Valladolid International Federation of Medical Students Association (Human Rights). Master in Clinic Medicine (Camilo José Cela University). Internal Medicine Residency (12 de OctubreUniversitary Hospital).