Term of Award

Spring 2025

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Health in Health Policy and Management (Dr.P.H.)

Document Type and Release Option

Dissertation (open access)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Digital Commons@Georgia Southern License

Department

Department of Health Policy & Management (COPH)

Committee Chair

Jeffery Jones

Committee Member 1

Linda Kimsey

Committee Member 2

James Thomas

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare access is a major population health challenge among underserved populations in many parts of the world, and the situation in Africa is no exception. Foreign aid, a significant component of healthcare financing in Africa, has played a crucial role in mitigating communicable diseases. However, there is a lacuna in care for non-communicable diseases, such as chronic illnesses, especially among the elderly. This study explored an innovative approach to expanding healthcare access in Nigeria and Ghana through care coordination sponsored by migrant family members residing in the United States. Beyond foreign aid, this research elucidates how the International Care Coordination System leverages the high remittance flow from African migrants to Africa to provide a more coordinated system of healthcare.

Methods: Data was collected using mixed methods from three sources. First, Fleri Inc. patient de-identified data. This data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 30. Second, survey data from Africans living in Africa and the United States. Survey analysis was done using Qualtrics XM 3.2.1. Third, interviews were conducted with three Fleri Inc. employees, which were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Conclusion: The International Care Coordination System is an ingenious healthcare financing model that can potentially promote primary healthcare and treatment for chronic diseases, especially among the elderly in Nigeria and Ghana.

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No

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