From the household survey it was found out that more females (57%) were sick compared to males (43%). The results also revealed the utilisation of healthcare services of 38%. This the utilisation is still very low, below 50% given the substantial investment in the healthcare provision by the government and partners.

Figure 7: Health seeking behaviour

Some of the factors contributing to this trend include:

• Economical reasons (Affordability)

Self medication
Seeking such services from Traditional healers.

This is mainly done to offset the otherwise expensive modern healthcare services

• Socio-cultural reasons

This is especially the case with STIs, which carry a stigma on the patient and hence influence the health seeking behaviour which in turn checks the utilisation of healthcare services.

However when these providers are combined as a public/private mix, it is found that more people (54%) seek help from professional health providers.