Transport-related interventions to improve maternal health
Report on current situation in the health sector of Ghana and possible roles of appropriate transport technology and transport related communication interventions
Recommended transport interventions to improve the provision of rural health services
Authors:
J. Heyen-Perschon
Publisher:
Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, 2005
This report, by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, provides data on the health sector in Ghana, with an overview of health trends and health and transport policies the country. It shows that Ghana has developed a comprehensive transport policy for regional, district, sub-district and community levels of health care. Transport has been identified as an essential resource and vital tool of the delivery of health services. However, transport guidelines are only in place by law, not by fact and the vehicle mix for the different health vehicles is not in place on the ground. Also, the aging vehicle fleet has resulted in increasing fuel consumption and maintenance costs of those vehicles.
The report discusses experiences of transport related health projects including bicycles for health volunteers and radio communication in health provision. It suggests possible transport interventions to improve rural service provision. Interventions include: integrating a system of communication and transport; providing community health volunteers with California Bikes; strengthening the community with a bicycle- or a donkey ambulance; and strengthening the community health officers with a communication system and motorcycle ambulance.
