Socioeconomic inequalities in child and maternal health care in Cameroon

In developing economies, a number of investigations have highlighted the fact that the increase in health expenditure will only contribute to poverty reduction if such expenditure is efficient and if access to health services becomes more equitable. This paper measured inequality trends in maternal and child health services access and use in Cameroon where health policies were redirected in the 90s. Using data from Demographic and Health Surveys (1991, 1998 and 2004), the relationship between socio-economic status and health inequalities was assessed. Concentration Index and an accurate estimate built from the capability theory were used to measure inequality trends in socio-economic status. The results show that the policies and interventions have been more effective in reaching the better-off than the worst-off. Increase in total health care access and use were detected for both variables (DPT3 and assistance at delivery) with concentration Index showing improved movements through equal distribution. This observation was contradicted by Lorenz curve for assistance at delivery. Trend differentials observed from health index reveal a significant correlation between health outcomes, deprivation and geographic affiliation. Health services access and use are determined by both socio-economic status and a number of factors including resource allocation and contextual factors. In such context, improvements in the monitoring of healthcare distribution is important to be carry out at both national and sub-national levels, especially in countries that have undergone decentralization and where socio-cultural factors may greatly differ from one region to another.