Health inequalities in selected African rountries: review of evidence and policy implications

Abstract

Inequality and ill-health are intertwined. Unequal access to health services by income group, rural/urban location and gender as social stratifies results in lower health outcomes for disadvantaged groups. This study uses variety analysis of Demographic Health Survey data to identify the main sources of inequities in accessing health care in selected African countries. Findings show that large inequities in accessing health care due to income differences and rural/urban location exist in all countries in varying degrees. Overall the results of this study indicate that specific policies aimed at improving both geographical and financial access to health care are essential. Scaling up of strategies that are pro-poor and result in increased health services provision in underserved areas is crucial. It is also important that health plans should securely embed health equity, by clearly phrasing health objectives and strategies and mainstreaming health equity in the overall national development plans or poverty reduction strategies in order to achieve a well co-ordinated multi-sectoral strategy in promoting health equity.