Enablers and barriers of community initiated health emergency transport systems in the Upper West Region of Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the Global South, community emergency transport systems (CETS) are typically in response to inadequate National Ambulance Services and a poor transport network, particularly in rural areas. In Ghana, CETS have emerged some communities under the auspices of the Community-based Health Planning Services program. We explored the enablers and barriers to the success of CETS in the Upper West Region. The results show that among others, effective leadership, acceptance of risk-pooling and community cohesion enabled success. Key barriers included community level conflicts and lack of resources. In poor resource context, CETS could be up-scaled to supplement an existing ambulance system.