Recent years have witnessed renewed global attention to persistent spatial inequalities and the potential role of politics and power relations in redressing and reinforcing them. This thesis offers a political analysis of the problem of regional inequality in Ghana, with particular attention to the role of inter-elite power relations in underpinning the country’s historical North-South divide. The analysis is based on three main sets of data: the regional distribution of political power during 1993-2008; the regional composition of public expenditure; and elite interviews. The thesis argues that a key factor that explains Ghana’s stark unbalanced regional development has been the continuous exclusion of the historically poorer Northern regions from a fair share of both productive and social sector spending. The socio-economic marginalisation of these regions has been underpinned principally by a weaker influence of Northern elites on resource allocation decisions within a political environment that is driven largely by patron-client relations. Consequently, even policies and programmes designed with the formal objective of targeting the ‘poor’ often end up discriminating against the poorer Northern regions at the level of implementation. However, Northern elites’ lack of ‘agenda-setting powers’ is not a function of their exclusion from government, but rather of their ‘adverse incorporation’ into the polity, whereby they have often been included on relatively unfavourable terms. This explanation differs significantly from much of current mainstream thinking regarding the underlying drivers of persistent unbalanced regional development, including dominant accounts of Ghana’s North-South inequalities. Notably, there has been a tendency of both academics and policy makers to put the blame on certain innate characteristics of the North, such as the region’s fewer production potentials associated with its ‘bad geography’ and Northerners’ proclivity for violent conflicts. Such accounts therefore tend to blame the relative socio-economic backwardness of the Northern regions on the North itself rather than the nature of its incorporation into broader political formations.

No description available.

Aim Despite the country's explicit political goal to establish equivalent living conditions across Germany, significant inequality continues to exist. We argue that premature mortality is an excellent proxy variable for testing the claim of equivalent living conditions since the root causes of premature death are socioeconomic. Subject and methods We analyse variation in premature mortality across Germany's 402 districts and cities in 2014. Results Premature mortality spatially clusters among geographically contiguous and proximate districts/cities and is higher in more urban places as well as in districts/cities located further north and in former East Germany. We demonstrate that, first, socioeconomic factors account for 62% of the cross-sectional variation in years of potential life lost and 70% of the variation in the premature mortality rate. Second, we show that these socioeconomic factors either entirely or almost fully eliminate the systematic spatial patterns that exist in premature mortality. Conclusion On its own, fiscal redistribution, the centrepiece of how Germany aspires to establish its political goal, cannot generate equivalent living conditions in the absence of a comprehensive set of economic and social policies at all levels of political administration, tackling the disparities in socioeconomic factors that collectively result in highly unequal living conditions.

This study investigated educational stratification in Nigeria to determine how socioeconomic status, gender, and regional differences influence achievement in education using the nationally representative 2010 Nigeria Education Data Survey (NEDS). These cross-sectional data are among the first quality household survey data available for assessing aspects of education in Nigeria. In the last four decades, Nigeria has experienced dramatic expansion of its educational system. Following the introduction of educational policies and programs, growth in enrolment at the primary and secondary levels has largely been sustained. For instance, enrolment of pupils in primary education increased from 3,515,827 in 1970 to 14,383,487 in 1985 and to 20,080,986 in 2010. However, this impressive gain was followed by dwindling quality in the educational system, which has reported differing educational outcomes for different groups. Prior research in Nigeria has not examined how socioeconomic status influences achievement in education using large scale representative data. In this study, I primarily focused on assessing socioeconomic status to determine how it predicts achievement in reading and numeracy in Nigerian school children, ages 5 to 16 years. Nigeria is also known to have wide gender and regional gaps in education. Thus, I assessed gender and region variables to determine how much they contribute to the variance in educational achievement. I analyzed NEDS 2010 data and reported the findings of the descriptive and multivariate regression statistics. Descriptive statistics show the frequencies and distribution of the variables in the study. The multivariate regression analyses were employed to determine the relationship of socioeconomic status, gender, and region (the main predictor variables) with achievement in reading and numeracy (outcome variables). Given the use of survey data, both the descriptive and regression statistics were based on weighted statistics. This study found a significant wealth gap in reading and numeracy achievements among Nigerian children. I also found that family wealth, parental education, and region explain differences in academic achievement. Family wealth was found to be the most important variable influencing achievement in reading and numeracy, followed by mother's education and then region. Overall, the findings in this study suggest no significant differences in reading and numeracy achievement for boys and girls. Although gender was not found to be consistently associated with academic achievement in this study, it should not be assumed to mean that gender equality in education exists in Nigeria. It is widely reported elsewhere that gender-biased educational opportunity plays a major role in influencing educational attainment and achievement. More research, preferably using a longitudinal study design, is needed to identify the trends and patterns of gender roles in Nigerian educational attainment and achievement. The findings in this study provide the foundation for making further investigations on the association of social, economic, and cultural factors with academic achievement and to assess inequality in education in Nigeria.

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the South Eastern Anatolia Project (GAP) on the inter-regional inequality between the GAP region and the rest of Turkey. Cross-sectional analyses are carried out for the years of 1990 and 2000, that is, before the project is put into effect and 10 years after of its implementation. Although this thesis is ultimately concerned with the inter-regional inequality, the within and the total-region inequality are also discussed. Moreover, since not only the economic, infrastructure and service related variables, but also the sociodemographic variables are included in the analyses, it is a comprehensive evaluation, and the results provide current information about the success of the GAP. In this study, Theil&#039 / s inequality index is used as it provides the property of additive decomposability, which allows us to analyze the magnitudes and trends in inequality among regions and within regions as well as total inequality. The indicators include 17 socio-demographic, 12 economic, and 10 infrastructure and service related variables, i.e., total of 39 independent variables. Although the GAP region performed an improvement in absolute terms for most of the variables, the findings show that the inequality between the GAP region and the rest of Turkey increased for more than half of the variables during the last decade. These variables are mostly related to demography (i.e., infant mortality rate, fertility rate, etc.), health services, and GDP p.c.. On the other hand, the between-region inequality decreased for the variables related to infrastructure, urbanization, educational level (i.e., literacy and schooling ratios in primary education), and nonagricultural labor force.

O objetivo dessa dissertação foi retratar as principais evidências empíricas existentes até então, focando na equação de salários, uma das ferramentas mais utilizadas da Nova Geografia Econômica, segundo Hanson (1998).O estudo apresentou resultados consistentes sobre a importância da teoria para a explicação do diferencial de salário, focando no acesso ao mercado e, por conseguinte, no custo de transporte e retornos crescentes de escala como contundentes para se entender o padrão de aglomeração de determinada região. O estudo pretendeu também contribuir com o leque de evidências acerca da Nova Geografia Econômica como explicação para o padrão de aglomeração brasileiro. Para isso foi utilizado uma especificação concernente à teoria, buscando focar na acessibilidade do mercado por meio do teste dos três parâmetros estruturais da Nova Geografia Econômica e por fim, a última testou a aplicabilidade da equação de Fujita at al (2002) ao modelo brasileiro. Por meio da utilização de dados da PNAD para todos os Estados brasileiros, chega-se a conclusão de que o mercado potencial não deve ser desconsiderado pelos formuladores de políticas publicas ao se pensar na desigualdade brasileira de salários e, por conseguinte no padrão de aglomeração da atividade econômica que se verifica no país. / The goal of this dissertation was portraying the main empirical evidence available so far, focusing on the equation of wages, one of the most used tools of the New Economic Geography, according to Hanson (1998). The study showed consistent results on the importance of theory for the explanation of 'salary differential, focusing on market access and therefore the cost of transport and increasing returns to scale as remarkable for understanding the pattern of settlement in a region. The study also wanted to contribute to the range of evidence about the New Economic Geography as explanation for the pattern of agglomeration Brazil. For this we used a specification regarding theory, focus on seeking market access through the test of the three structural parameters of the New Economic Geography and finally, the last tested the applicability of the equation of Fujita at al (2002) to the Brazilian model. Through the use of data from PNAD for all Brazilian states, we reach the conclusion that the market potential should not be disregarded by policymakers when they are thinking of Brazilian inequality of wages and therefore in the pattern of agglomeration of economic activity that takes place in the country.

Introdução: A atenção pré-natal (APN) é um componente prioritário da atenção básica (AB). Atualmente, existe um conjunto de indicadores de cobertura que avalia a APN. Os principais desfechos adversos da gestação (prematuridade e baixo peso) e a mortalidade neonatal também são indicadores utilizados para avaliar a qualidade da APN. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar desigualdades na APN, a partir dos indicadores de cobertura da APN e indicadores de desfechos adversos e mortalidade neonatal, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), conforme as regiões de saúde e vulnerabilidade social, de 2010 a 2013. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, baseado na epidemiologia social, com delineamento de série histórica e estudo ecológico, no qual os indicadores foram agregados por macrorregiões e regiões de saúde e índice de vulnerabilidade social.Para a avaliação dos indicadores na perspectiva de possíveis desigualdades sociais, foram escolhidos dois índices: o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Social (IVS-5) e o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM), divididos em categorias. Para o cálculo dos indicadores, os dados foram extraídos dos seguintes Sistemas de Informação em Saúde (SIS) do DATASUS: Sala de Apoio à Gestão Estratégica Situacional (SAGE), Sistema de Informação da Atenção Básica (SIAB), Sistema de Informações de Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) e Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM). Resultados: Houve aumento da cobertura de estratégia de saúde da família (ESF) e equipes de saúde bucal (ESB) no RS ao longo dos anos. A análise por macrorregiões e regiões de saúde mostrou elevadas coberturas da APN na maioria dos locais. Foram observadas desigualdades de cobertura, ocorrência dos desfechos negativos e mortalidade neonatal por macrorregiões e regiões de saúde. A análise por IVS-5 permitiu observar que nas categorias com municípios mais vulneráveis, há um expressivo incremento nas coberturas de ESF e ESB, que se traduzem em melhores indicadores da APN e menores taxas de desfechos adversos e mortalidade neonatal. O IDHM não se mostrou como um bom índice para este trabalho. Considerações finais: Há disparidades em termos de cobertura de ESF e ESB no RS quando observadas as macrorregiões, regiões e categorias de IVS-5. Desigualdades são observadas nas coberturas de APN, desfechos adversos e mortalidade neonatal entre macrorregiões e regiões de saúde. Os indicadores de cobertura de APN são melhores nas categorias de IVS-5-3 e IVS-5-4, categorias formadas pelos municípios mais vulneráveis. Nesse sentido, pode-se concluir que há uma preocupação do estado em investir em equipes em áreas mais vulneráveis, seguindo-se o princípio da equidade. Possivelmente, se não houvesse esse incremento em ESF e ESB, seriam observadas baixas coberturas de APN e elevados índices de desfechos adversos da gestação e mortalidade neonatal nas categorias de municípios mais vulneráveis. / Introduction: Prenatal care (PNC) is a main component of primary care (PC). Currently, there is a set of coverage indicators that assess PNC. The main adverse results of pregnancy (preterm birth and low weight) and neonatal mortality are also indicators used to assess the quality of PNC. The goal of this work is to evaluate inequalities in APN, from the coverage indicators of APN and indicators of adverse outcomes and neonatal mortality, in the estate of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) sorted by healthcare regions and social vulnerability, from 2010 to 2013. Methods: This is a quantitative study based on social epidemiology, with a historical series and ecological study design, in which indicators were pooled by macro region, healthcare region and social vulnerability index. To assess indicators for potential social inequalities, two indexes were chosen: the Social Vulnerability Index (IVS-5) and the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), divided into categories. For the calculation of indicators, data were retrieved from the following Health Information Systems (SIS) of DATASUS: Situational Strategic Management Support Room (SAGE), Primary Care Information System (SIAB), Live Birth Information System (SINASC), and Mortality Information System (SIM). Results: There was an increase in the coverage of family health strategy (ESF) and oral health teams (ESB) in the RS over the years. The analysis according to macro regions and healthcare regions showed high PNC coverage in most locations. Coverage inequalities, occurrence of negative outcomes and neonatal mortality by macro regions and healthcare regions were observed. The IVS-5 analysis allowed us to observe that, in categories with more vulnerable municipalities, there was a sharp increase in ESF and ESB coverage, which translated into better PNC indicators and lower rates of adverse outcomes and neonatal mortality. The MHDI was not shown to be a good index for this study. Final considerations: There were discrepancies regarding ESF and ESB coverage in the RS when macro regions, regions and IVS-5 categories were observed. Inequalities were observed in PNC coverage between macro regions and healthcare regions. PNC indicators were better in the IVS-5-3 and IVS-5-4 categories, which comprised more vulnerable cities. Therefore, we can conclude that there is a concern in the state with investing in health teams in more vulnerable locations in accordance with the principle of equity. Possibly, if this increase in ESF and ESB had not taken place, low PNC coverage and high rates of adverse outcomes from pregnancy and neonatal mortality would be seen in the categories comprising more vulnerable cities.

O objetivo dessa dissertação foi retratar as principais evidências empíricas existentes até então, focando na equação de salários, uma das ferramentas mais utilizadas da Nova Geografia Econômica, segundo Hanson (1998).O estudo apresentou resultados consistentes sobre a importância da teoria para a explicação do diferencial de salário, focando no acesso ao mercado e, por conseguinte, no custo de transporte e retornos crescentes de escala como contundentes para se entender o padrão de aglomeração de determinada região. O estudo pretendeu também contribuir com o leque de evidências acerca da Nova Geografia Econômica como explicação para o padrão de aglomeração brasileiro. Para isso foi utilizado uma especificação concernente à teoria, buscando focar na acessibilidade do mercado por meio do teste dos três parâmetros estruturais da Nova Geografia Econômica e por fim, a última testou a aplicabilidade da equação de Fujita at al (2002) ao modelo brasileiro. Por meio da utilização de dados da PNAD para todos os Estados brasileiros, chega-se a conclusão de que o mercado potencial não deve ser desconsiderado pelos formuladores de políticas publicas ao se pensar na desigualdade brasileira de salários e, por conseguinte no padrão de aglomeração da atividade econômica que se verifica no país. / The goal of this dissertation was portraying the main empirical evidence available so far, focusing on the equation of wages, one of the most used tools of the New Economic Geography, according to Hanson (1998). The study showed consistent results on the importance of theory for the explanation of 'salary differential, focusing on market access and therefore the cost of transport and increasing returns to scale as remarkable for understanding the pattern of settlement in a region. The study also wanted to contribute to the range of evidence about the New Economic Geography as explanation for the pattern of agglomeration Brazil. For this we used a specification regarding theory, focus on seeking market access through the test of the three structural parameters of the New Economic Geography and finally, the last tested the applicability of the equation of Fujita at al (2002) to the Brazilian model. Through the use of data from PNAD for all Brazilian states, we reach the conclusion that the market potential should not be disregarded by policymakers when they are thinking of Brazilian inequality of wages and therefore in the pattern of agglomeration of economic activity that takes place in the country.

Introdução: A atenção pré-natal (APN) é um componente prioritário da atenção básica (AB). Atualmente, existe um conjunto de indicadores de cobertura que avalia a APN. Os principais desfechos adversos da gestação (prematuridade e baixo peso) e a mortalidade neonatal também são indicadores utilizados para avaliar a qualidade da APN. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar desigualdades na APN, a partir dos indicadores de cobertura da APN e indicadores de desfechos adversos e mortalidade neonatal, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), conforme as regiões de saúde e vulnerabilidade social, de 2010 a 2013. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, baseado na epidemiologia social, com delineamento de série histórica e estudo ecológico, no qual os indicadores foram agregados por macrorregiões e regiões de saúde e índice de vulnerabilidade social.Para a avaliação dos indicadores na perspectiva de possíveis desigualdades sociais, foram escolhidos dois índices: o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Social (IVS-5) e o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM), divididos em categorias. Para o cálculo dos indicadores, os dados foram extraídos dos seguintes Sistemas de Informação em Saúde (SIS) do DATASUS: Sala de Apoio à Gestão Estratégica Situacional (SAGE), Sistema de Informação da Atenção Básica (SIAB), Sistema de Informações de Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) e Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM). Resultados: Houve aumento da cobertura de estratégia de saúde da família (ESF) e equipes de saúde bucal (ESB) no RS ao longo dos anos. A análise por macrorregiões e regiões de saúde mostrou elevadas coberturas da APN na maioria dos locais. Foram observadas desigualdades de cobertura, ocorrência dos desfechos negativos e mortalidade neonatal por macrorregiões e regiões de saúde. A análise por IVS-5 permitiu observar que nas categorias com municípios mais vulneráveis, há um expressivo incremento nas coberturas de ESF e ESB, que se traduzem em melhores indicadores da APN e menores taxas de desfechos adversos e mortalidade neonatal. O IDHM não se mostrou como um bom índice para este trabalho. Considerações finais: Há disparidades em termos de cobertura de ESF e ESB no RS quando observadas as macrorregiões, regiões e categorias de IVS-5. Desigualdades são observadas nas coberturas de APN, desfechos adversos e mortalidade neonatal entre macrorregiões e regiões de saúde. Os indicadores de cobertura de APN são melhores nas categorias de IVS-5-3 e IVS-5-4, categorias formadas pelos municípios mais vulneráveis. Nesse sentido, pode-se concluir que há uma preocupação do estado em investir em equipes em áreas mais vulneráveis, seguindo-se o princípio da equidade. Possivelmente, se não houvesse esse incremento em ESF e ESB, seriam observadas baixas coberturas de APN e elevados índices de desfechos adversos da gestação e mortalidade neonatal nas categorias de municípios mais vulneráveis. / Introduction: Prenatal care (PNC) is a main component of primary care (PC). Currently, there is a set of coverage indicators that assess PNC. The main adverse results of pregnancy (preterm birth and low weight) and neonatal mortality are also indicators used to assess the quality of PNC. The goal of this work is to evaluate inequalities in APN, from the coverage indicators of APN and indicators of adverse outcomes and neonatal mortality, in the estate of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) sorted by healthcare regions and social vulnerability, from 2010 to 2013. Methods: This is a quantitative study based on social epidemiology, with a historical series and ecological study design, in which indicators were pooled by macro region, healthcare region and social vulnerability index. To assess indicators for potential social inequalities, two indexes were chosen: the Social Vulnerability Index (IVS-5) and the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), divided into categories. For the calculation of indicators, data were retrieved from the following Health Information Systems (SIS) of DATASUS: Situational Strategic Management Support Room (SAGE), Primary Care Information System (SIAB), Live Birth Information System (SINASC), and Mortality Information System (SIM). Results: There was an increase in the coverage of family health strategy (ESF) and oral health teams (ESB) in the RS over the years. The analysis according to macro regions and healthcare regions showed high PNC coverage in most locations. Coverage inequalities, occurrence of negative outcomes and neonatal mortality by macro regions and healthcare regions were observed. The IVS-5 analysis allowed us to observe that, in categories with more vulnerable municipalities, there was a sharp increase in ESF and ESB coverage, which translated into better PNC indicators and lower rates of adverse outcomes and neonatal mortality. The MHDI was not shown to be a good index for this study. Final considerations: There were discrepancies regarding ESF and ESB coverage in the RS when macro regions, regions and IVS-5 categories were observed. Inequalities were observed in PNC coverage between macro regions and healthcare regions. PNC indicators were better in the IVS-5-3 and IVS-5-4 categories, which comprised more vulnerable cities. Therefore, we can conclude that there is a concern in the state with investing in health teams in more vulnerable locations in accordance with the principle of equity. Possibly, if this increase in ESF and ESB had not taken place, low PNC coverage and high rates of adverse outcomes from pregnancy and neonatal mortality would be seen in the categories comprising more vulnerable cities.

Introdução: A atenção pré-natal (APN) é um componente prioritário da atenção básica (AB). Atualmente, existe um conjunto de indicadores de cobertura que avalia a APN. Os principais desfechos adversos da gestação (prematuridade e baixo peso) e a mortalidade neonatal também são indicadores utilizados para avaliar a qualidade da APN. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar desigualdades na APN, a partir dos indicadores de cobertura da APN e indicadores de desfechos adversos e mortalidade neonatal, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), conforme as regiões de saúde e vulnerabilidade social, de 2010 a 2013. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, baseado na epidemiologia social, com delineamento de série histórica e estudo ecológico, no qual os indicadores foram agregados por macrorregiões e regiões de saúde e índice de vulnerabilidade social.Para a avaliação dos indicadores na perspectiva de possíveis desigualdades sociais, foram escolhidos dois índices: o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Social (IVS-5) e o Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM), divididos em categorias. Para o cálculo dos indicadores, os dados foram extraídos dos seguintes Sistemas de Informação em Saúde (SIS) do DATASUS: Sala de Apoio à Gestão Estratégica Situacional (SAGE), Sistema de Informação da Atenção Básica (SIAB), Sistema de Informações de Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) e Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM). Resultados: Houve aumento da cobertura de estratégia de saúde da família (ESF) e equipes de saúde bucal (ESB) no RS ao longo dos anos. A análise por macrorregiões e regiões de saúde mostrou elevadas coberturas da APN na maioria dos locais. Foram observadas desigualdades de cobertura, ocorrência dos desfechos negativos e mortalidade neonatal por macrorregiões e regiões de saúde. A análise por IVS-5 permitiu observar que nas categorias com municípios mais vulneráveis, há um expressivo incremento nas coberturas de ESF e ESB, que se traduzem em melhores indicadores da APN e menores taxas de desfechos adversos e mortalidade neonatal. O IDHM não se mostrou como um bom índice para este trabalho. Considerações finais: Há disparidades em termos de cobertura de ESF e ESB no RS quando observadas as macrorregiões, regiões e categorias de IVS-5. Desigualdades são observadas nas coberturas de APN, desfechos adversos e mortalidade neonatal entre macrorregiões e regiões de saúde. Os indicadores de cobertura de APN são melhores nas categorias de IVS-5-3 e IVS-5-4, categorias formadas pelos municípios mais vulneráveis. Nesse sentido, pode-se concluir que há uma preocupação do estado em investir em equipes em áreas mais vulneráveis, seguindo-se o princípio da equidade. Possivelmente, se não houvesse esse incremento em ESF e ESB, seriam observadas baixas coberturas de APN e elevados índices de desfechos adversos da gestação e mortalidade neonatal nas categorias de municípios mais vulneráveis. / Introduction: Prenatal care (PNC) is a main component of primary care (PC). Currently, there is a set of coverage indicators that assess PNC. The main adverse results of pregnancy (preterm birth and low weight) and neonatal mortality are also indicators used to assess the quality of PNC. The goal of this work is to evaluate inequalities in APN, from the coverage indicators of APN and indicators of adverse outcomes and neonatal mortality, in the estate of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) sorted by healthcare regions and social vulnerability, from 2010 to 2013. Methods: This is a quantitative study based on social epidemiology, with a historical series and ecological study design, in which indicators were pooled by macro region, healthcare region and social vulnerability index. To assess indicators for potential social inequalities, two indexes were chosen: the Social Vulnerability Index (IVS-5) and the Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), divided into categories. For the calculation of indicators, data were retrieved from the following Health Information Systems (SIS) of DATASUS: Situational Strategic Management Support Room (SAGE), Primary Care Information System (SIAB), Live Birth Information System (SINASC), and Mortality Information System (SIM). Results: There was an increase in the coverage of family health strategy (ESF) and oral health teams (ESB) in the RS over the years. The analysis according to macro regions and healthcare regions showed high PNC coverage in most locations. Coverage inequalities, occurrence of negative outcomes and neonatal mortality by macro regions and healthcare regions were observed. The IVS-5 analysis allowed us to observe that, in categories with more vulnerable municipalities, there was a sharp increase in ESF and ESB coverage, which translated into better PNC indicators and lower rates of adverse outcomes and neonatal mortality. The MHDI was not shown to be a good index for this study. Final considerations: There were discrepancies regarding ESF and ESB coverage in the RS when macro regions, regions and IVS-5 categories were observed. Inequalities were observed in PNC coverage between macro regions and healthcare regions. PNC indicators were better in the IVS-5-3 and IVS-5-4 categories, which comprised more vulnerable cities. Therefore, we can conclude that there is a concern in the state with investing in health teams in more vulnerable locations in accordance with the principle of equity. Possibly, if this increase in ESF and ESB had not taken place, low PNC coverage and high rates of adverse outcomes from pregnancy and neonatal mortality would be seen in the categories comprising more vulnerable cities.