Practicing Health Geography: The African Context

This book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding health geography in Africa,using case studies to challenge the dichotomy between health geography and medical geography. It discusses the uses of space-based and place-based analyses,and how geography is incorporated into decision processes to shape health-related interventions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 07 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate realm of health geography in Africa, offering a unique perspective through a series of case studies that examine health practices across various regions. By presenting a unified approach to the geographies of health, the book challenges the perceived divide between health geography and medical geography. Spanning 14 chapters and 13 compelling case studies, the book explores a wide range of contemporary and traditional themes that have shaped the discipline of health geography.

The first chapter serves as an introduction, providing readers with a foundational understanding of the major theories and perspectives that govern health geography practices in Africa. It explores how these theories and perspectives apply to the diverse contexts and challenges faced by the continent.

In the subsequent sections, the book delves into the diverse uses of space-based and place-based analyses in health geography. Section 1 explores the role of geo-data infrastructures, geo-mapping, and spatial epidemiology in understanding health patterns and disparities. It discusses how these tools can be employed to identify areas of high disease burden, track disease outbreaks, and develop targeted public health interventions.

Section 2 examines the significance of place-based analyses in health geography, focusing on health representation, healthcare access, food allergies, and health determinants. It explores how geography influences health outcomes, shapes healthcare delivery systems, and impacts food security and nutrition. The case studies presented in this section shed light on geo-enabling health records, health policy, public health planning, and mobile health geographies.

Section 3 delves into the role of geography in shaping decision-making processes in Africa. It examines how policy planning and interventions are influenced by spatial factors, such as land use, urbanization, and environmental resources. The case studies explore how geography is incorporated into health records systems, health policy development, public health interventions, and community-based initiatives.

Throughout the book, the case studies provide concrete examples of how health geography is applied in practice, highlighting the successes and challenges faced by African countries in addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes. The authors draw on a wealth of research and fieldwork to provide a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between health, geography, and social factors.

In conclusion, this volume offers a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners interested in health geography in Africa. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the geographies of health, challenging the traditional boundaries between disciplines and promoting a more holistic understanding of health challenges and opportunities on the continent. By highlighting the diverse uses of space-based and place-based analyses, the book offers practical insights into how health geography can contribute to improving health outcomes and promoting equity in Africa.

Weight: 349g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030634735
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021