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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Amma A. Boadu, MPH, Managment and Policy, University of Texas, P.O.Box 20186, Houston, TX 77225, 713-500-9000, Amma.A.Boadu@uth.tmc.edu

Abstract

This is a descriptive policy analysis that examines the relationship between land use policy, land use, and malaria incidence in Ghana. In the past there has been a failure to adequately tie land policy to the malaria problem. The result of this is current policy that treats land policy as a rural or urban development and treats the fight against malaria as a health problem. There is no link between land policy and malaria since these are seen as two separate issues. The overall objective is to analyze how a comprehensive policy towards the elimination of malaria must incorporate a credible analysis of land use policy in both historical and current contexts. To address this objective I discuss the following: How land use policy influences the emergence and sustenance of malaria, how British colonial policy set the stage for today's land policy and in effect the prevalence of malaria. I examine the government of Ghana's efforts to change land policy and assess the adequacy of these efforts in addressing the problem of malaria in Ghana. In the final part of my policy analysis I recommend alternative land policy choices and initiatives that may be effective in dealing with the public health crisis of malaria.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session or poster observer will be able to

• Understand how Colonial Land use policy has influenced Ghana's current land policy.
• Characterize how land use policy has directly affected malaria incidence in Ghana
• Assess the adequacy of the efforts made by the Ghanaian government to address the problem of malaria in Ghana.

Keywords: Public Policy,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No