Background knowledge, theorizing, and evidence

This chapter focuses on health services and religion in the African context, providing a foundation for the case studies of Uganda, Mozambique, and Ethiopia. The chapter reviews previously identified patterns regarding the role of religion in health within Africa. The nexus of religion and health care is of central interest. Background knowledge is gleaned from the literature on the intersection of religion, health, and Africa. Patterns are identified and subsequently to evaluated by the new evidence obtained through qualitative and quantitative research, confirming that health care is regarded in a holistic way by Africans. This informs theorizing from the perspective of the Social Determinants of Health, within which an emphasis on women’s health is applied to processes and outcomes.