Implications of mortality and morbidity for health care delivery in Ghana

Abstract

Abstract The lack of adequate statistics makes it almost impossible to get an accurate picture of the health situation in developing countries. Based on the fragmentary data available, this paper examines the determinants and consequences of ‘unnecessary’ deaths and ill health in Ghana. Even though the main causes of death among the majority of the people are preventable, the health care delivery system emphasizes curative rather than preventive, and urban‐based instead of rural‐based practices. The current structural and institutional factors which sustain them are discussed. Suggestions are made towards the solutions of the seemingly intractable and complicated health problems. Copyright © 1986, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved