Inequalities in levels of health between regions within a country are frequently regarded
as a problem. Zimbabwe is characterised by poor and unequal conditions of health (both the state of
people’s health and health services). The health system of the country shows severe spatial
inequalities that are manifested at provincial, district and even local levels. This research
therefore examines and analyses the spatial inequalities and temporal variation of health
conditions in Zimbabwe. Composite indices were used to determine the people’s state of health in
Zimbabwe. Administrative districts were ranked according to the level of people’s state of health.
Cluster analysis was also performed to demarcate administrative districts according the level
of health service provision. Districts with minimum difference were demarcated in a single
cluster. Clusters were delineated using data on patterns of diseases and health and such clusters
were used to demarcate the country’s spatial health system according to the Adapted
Epidemiological Transition Model. This was used to evaluate the applicability of the model to
Zimbabwe. It emerged from the research that generally the country’s health conditions are poor and
the health system is characterised by severe spatial inequalities. Some districts are experiencing
poor health service provision and serious health challenges and are still in the age of pestilence
and famine but others have good health service provision as well as highly developed health
conditions and are in the age degenerative diseases of the epidemiological transition model. It
further emerged that the country’s health has been evolving with signs of improvement since the
1990s. Recommendations were made regarding possible adjustment to previous strategies and policies
used in Zimbabwe, for the development of the health system of the country. New strategies were also
recommended for the improvement of the health system of the country. Some proposals
are made for further research on the spatial development of health in the country. / Geography / D. Litt et. Phil. (Geography)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/18995 |
| Date | 03 1900 |
| Creators | Chazireni, Evans |
| Contributors | Harmse, A. C. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xvi, 275 leaves) |
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