Improving maternal healthcare utilisation in sub‐Saharan Africa through micro‐finance
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract
Purpose
– This paper aims to examine links between women's access to micro‐finance and how they use maternal healthcare services in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA).
Design/methodology/approach
– The authors use theoretical and empirical literature to propose a framework to sustain and improve women's access to maternal healthcare services through micro‐financing.
Findings
– It is found that improved access to micro‐finance by women, combined with education may enhance maternal health service uptake.
Research limitations/implications
– The paper does not consider empirical data in the analysis. The authors advocate empirically testing the framework proposed in other SSA countries.
Social implications
– It is important to empower women by facilitating their access to education and micro‐finance. This has implications for improving maternal healthcare utilization in SSA.
Originality/value
– The paper moves beyond poor access to maternal health services in SSA and proposes a framework for providing sustainable solutions.
Description
Keywords
Maternal healthcare, Access, Sub‐Saharan Africa, Micro‐finance, Health services, Africa, Women
Citation
Gordon Abekah‐Nkrumah, Patience Aseweh Abor, Joshua Abor, Charles K.D. Adjasi, (2011) "Improving maternal healthcare utilisation in sub‐Saharan Africa through micro‐finance", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 24 Iss: 8, pp.601 - 610