Medical services are provided by the Ghanaian government,
the missionaries, a small number of private clinics and traditional practices.
Although there are many modern facilities and equipment, these, along with the
physicians, are unevenly distributed throughout the country. For example, people
in rural areas have to travel more than 8 km to obtain health services. Many
women have to travel 16 km to receive pre-natal services. |
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The government is trying to improve health care by introducing
additional health centres and expanding primary health care programs. The
government is also training community health workers and midwives to ensure
better care for people. |
Did you know?
Ghana is one of the most densely populatd countries in West Africa
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Programs train personnel to educate communities about
preventive medicines that work against infectious diseases including malaria,
cholera and typhoid. Malaria and measles have been listed by the World Health
Organization as the leading cause of death in this sub-Saharan country.
Combined with modern medical practices, traditional healing uses wild herbs,
seeds and roots. Healing recipes are passed down through the ancestors as
part of Ghanaians' spiritual traditions.
Did you know?
According to traditional beliefs spirits are known to shape peoples
destinies. Destiny is based on personality and one's existence in
relation to God, called Nana Nyame. This belief system also uses
myths, concepts and dreams. A person's state of health is examined
taking into consideration all these factors. | |
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