RURAL-URBAN HEALTH INEQUALITIES IN MEME DIVISION, CAMEROON

Abstract

Urban inhabitants have greater access to basic services of health and education than their rural
counterparts. In Meme, urban residents in Kumba seem to have better access to specialized
health services than the rural residents of Mbonge and Konye. Despite attempts to minimise
inequalities, significant disparities in the access to health continue to exist between rural and
urban Meme.In this regard, the study sets out to examine the pattern and implications of health
inequalities in the rural and urban areas ofMeme Division, Cameroon. The study adopted a
multi-stage sampling technique in selecting respondents. One hundred questionnaires were
distributed to each stratum. The GPS was used to provide the accurate location of health
facilities in both rural and urban areas. The GPS coordinates were presented cartographically.
Secondary data were obtained from hospital registers. Inferential techniques like the Cramer’s
Value and Mann-Whitney U were used to analyse data. Descriptive techniques were employed
in presenting data. Findings reveal that there is a bias in the distribution and quality of health
services between Kumba and its surrounding rural areas. This has implications on child and
maternal health particularly in the rural areas. Policies to reduce the health service gap will
improve rural access to specialized health services, well-being and reduce rural pressure on
available health facilities in Kumba.