“Missing Link”

Abstract

AbstractThis book aims to make a theoretical contribution to understanding the interaction between the relevant actors and the impact of that interaction on the sustainability of development assistance for health care. The notion of impact in the research question presumes a causal relationship between interaction and sustainability. This chapter outlines the methodological framework used to identify the possible causal link between these two phenomena. The analysis commences with an in-depth analysis of how each type of relationship identified in the two projects affects the sustainability of health aid by specifying the aspect(s) affected most, be it the continuity of project activities, maintaining benefits, or building the capacity of a recipient community. In this process, the author identified the mechanisms of ownership, learning, recognition, institutionalization, uniformity, “professionalization,” and replacement. Based on these insights, she suggests broader cross-case causal inferences applicable beyond the cases covered in this book, although under the conditions and circumstances identified for each hypothesis. Closing with the methodological limitations of the selected approach and analytical conclusions, this chapter nevertheless vividly demonstrates the missing causal link between stakeholders’ relationships and the sustainability of health aid.