The Interplay between Poverty and Healthcare Accessibility in Southern Uganda

Brenda Eunice Bacia

School of Law Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

In Southern Uganda, the accessibility of healthcare is critically divided between urban and rural regions, with poverty being a significant exacerbating factor. Urban areas benefit from better healthcare infrastructure, more facilities, and a higher number of healthcare professionals compared to rural areas, which suffer from limited resources, poor infrastructure, and a scarcity of medical personnel. This disparity, heavily influenced by economic constraints, creates substantial barriers for impoverished communities in accessing necessary healthcare services. This article explores the intricate relationship between poverty and healthcare accessibility in Southern Uganda, highlighting how economic limitations, infrastructural inadequacies, and socio-cultural factors converge to impact health outcomes. Key issues identified include the high costs associated with healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of healthcare professionals in rural regions. Furthermore, poverty significantly contributes to high rates of malnutrition, the prevalence of communicable diseases, poor maternal and child health outcomes, and severe mental health issues. The article also addresses gender disparities in health, emphasizing the reproductive health challenges, higher rates of gender-based violence, and nutritional deficiencies faced by women and girls in impoverished areas. Cultural beliefs and practices further complicate health-seeking behaviors, leading to delays in appropriate medical interventions. To address these challenges, the article proposes a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach. Recommendations include enhancing healthcare infrastructure, providing financial support and subsidies, strengthening community health programs, addressing nutritional deficiencies, improving disease prevention and health education, focusing on maternal and child health, promoting gender equality in healthcare, integrating mental health into primary healthcare, engaging community and cultural leaders, and supporting educational attainment and economic stability. Implementing these strategies is crucial for improving healthcare accessibility and overall health outcomes in Southern Uganda.

Keywords: Poverty, Healthcare Accessibility, Southern Uganda, Maternal, child health

CITE AS: Brenda Eunice Bacia (2024). The Interplay between Poverty and Healthcare Accessibility in Southern Uganda. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF LAW, COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGES 3(3):113-118.