Improving maternal healthcare utilisation in sub-Saharan Africa through micro-finance.
OBJECTIVE
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).


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
It is found that improved access to micro-finance by women, combined with education may enhance maternal health service uptake.


CONCLUSIONS
The paper does not consider empirical data in the analysis. The authors advocate empirically testing the framework proposed in other SSA countries.


CONCLUSIONS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The paper moves beyond poor access to maternal health services in SSA and proposes a framework for providing sustainable solutions.
Department of Public Administration and Health Services Management, University of Ghana Business School, Legon, Ghana. ankrumah@ug.edu.gh
Gordon
G
Abekah-Nkrumah
Patience Aseweh
PA
Abor
Joshua
J
Abor
Charles K D
CK
Adjasi
D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D005260:Female; D005378:Financial Support; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*