As a result of economic hardship in Ghana, many Ghanaians are subjected to poor living conditions which leave them susceptible to various deadly but preventable diseases.
The infant mortality rate is 5.1% and the average life expectancy is 59 years. Only 60-70% of the population in urban areas has access to potable water, but this is often intermittent. Inadequate water and sanitation contributes to 70% of diseases in Ghana. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists malaria as the number one killer of children under 5, and the number 2 killer of people of all ages in Ghana. Approximately 75% of the population in Ghana uses biomass for their cooking and water heating needs. It is not surprising that respiratory infection is the 3rd most prevalent cause of death in Ghana according to WHO. |
| Causes of Death for Children under 5 in Ghana (Source: World Health Organization) |
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