Equity and access to health services in Lesotho: issues and challenges

bibliographic database
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Periodical article

Title:	Equity and access to health services in Lesotho: issues and challenges
Authors:	Makoa, Elsie Mpemi, Regina Tsekoa, Lineo Tlali, Momo Ralejoane, Ntsoaki Biesma, Regien Brugha, R. Odonkor, Philip
Year:	2009
Periodical:	Lesotho Social Sciences Review (ISSN 1028-0790)
Volume:	13
Issue:	1-2
Period:	December
Pages:	116-140
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Lesotho Southern Africa
Subjects:	access to health care health care health personnel health policy Medicine, Nutrition, Public Health Health services accessibility Medical care Medical policy
Abstract:	This paper investigates issues and challenges facing health service delivery in Lesotho within a framework of equity-access interrelationships and makes recommendations for improved service delivery. Data were obtained on three thematic areas - infrastructure, human resources and access to health services - through document reviews and national in-depth interviews of senior level personnel in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, international development partners and local and international NGOs. The findings indicate that while natural barriers such as topography and climate pose major challenges, man-made barriers, such as the attitude of health personnel, financial constraints, inadequate and poor management of human and financial resources, create complex challenges that may require multisectoral approaches for solutions. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]