Perceptions of foreign health aid in East Africa: an exploratory baseline study.

Background: There is insufficient literature on the perceptions of aid recipients with respect to foreign health aid administration and impact. This study sought to identify perceptions of foreign health aid among individuals, health care workers (HCWs), and policymakers in three East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. Each country receives substantial foreign aid and shares regional proximity.

Methods: A qualitative exploratory study design was adopted and 81 questionnaires were administered to individuals, HCWs and policymakers. Questionnaires ascertained perceptions of foreign aid, health aid and the USA. Responses were compared between groups and across countries.

Results: Perceptions of how much foreign aid a community receives varied between individuals ('a little'), HCWs ('some') and policymakers ('a lot'). Respondents were positive towards the USA irrespective of the level of aid they perceived came from the USA. Opinions regarding the impact of aid varied by country and by profession. Aid priorities were similar among all countries and participants, with health care, education and economic development among the primary sectors reported.

Conclusions: More research is needed on perceptions of aid recipients. The findings of this pilot study highlight the need for inclusion of these stakeholders in order to better inform decisions regarding foreign aid.