Church and Poverty Alleviation Through Health Care Delivery in the Kumasi Metropolis

Abstract

Health care has been the backbone of all developments across the globe. Its presence in every society has been possible due to the contributing role of religious institutions. The need for involvement of religious institutions in health care comes via global concern for the poor’s inability to access health care services. The main objective of this research is to assess what contributions the Church in Kumasi metropolis has made in reducing poverty among inhabitants. The study adds further insight into the range of investments required to achieve better health outcomes for the poor as an integral component of poverty reduction strategies, hence its significance. It indicates religious concerns and implications for good health and human advancement. This has grown to include a pro-poor approach and the strengthening of the delivery and quality of health services, reaching out to highly vulnerable groups, while developing more effective partnerships with the government and designing equitable health financing mechanisms. The research is cross-sectional involving interview with key respondents such as health administrators, health personnel, religious leaders and heads of mission hospitals, including a survey in the Kumasi metropolis. Inter alia, the study has revealed that achieving a better health for the poor requires going beyond the health sector to take action in related areas such as education, economics and spirituality.

Keywords: church, poverty alleviation, health care delivery, development.

DOI: 10.7176/DCS/9-10-08

Publication date:October 31^st 2019