Ghana

Patterns of morbidity and mortality in Ghana are similar to those in other African countries. Infectious disease, in particular malaria, diarrheal disease and specific parasitic diseases, are major health problems. Health care provision in Ghana is middling for those living in urban areas and poor for those living in rural areas. In 2004 the government launched a national insurance scheme to provide a mutual health organization in every village. Over 7 million people have enrolled, but take up is low amongst the poor.

Secondary and tertiary care is hampered by shortages of health care professionals and under equipped hospitals. ëDrug peddlers' ñ common in countries in which pharmacists are only profitable in cities ñ are the main source of drugs in rural communities: these people are often unqualified and stock substandard medicines.

Most imported medicines, including antibiotics and vaccines attract a tariff of 10%. All imported active ingredients required to manufacture drugs locally are taxed at the same level.