Efficiency of malaria service delivery in selected district-level hospitals in Ghana.

Abstract

Malaria remains an important public health concern. Sub-Saharan African countries carry over 95% of the global burden. Unfortunately, there are also major resource constraints that have limited efforts to reduce the burden. Our study sought to estimate efficiency in the use of malaria resources and to identify potential determinants. We used primary data collected from district-level health facilities in three administrative regions in Ghana from 2014 to 2016. The Data Envelopment Analysis technique was used to estimate efficiency. The Malmquist productivity index was estimated and disaggregated to reflect the sources of productivity change. The findings show an average technical efficiency score of 0.61 with private facilities being more efficient. Productivity changes were driven by changes in technology/innovation advancements. Facility revenue mix and ownership type were important determinants of efficiency. The findings highlight the need to improve resource use in the delivery of specific services such as malaria.