Action 3: Distance Barriers

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3. Address distance barriers: Geographical factors can influence health-seeking behaviour in circumstances where roads and transport are suboptimal.

Many developing countries lack basic infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, equipment and trained staff. There may be insufficient well-equipped and staffed hospitals in primary or secondary care. Distance and poor transport systems may prove to be major challenges to care. While infrastructure can only be changed at state level, knowledge of the logistics involved can be helpful with access to treatment. Innovative solutions through use of available alternative transport systems can sometimes solve transportation problems for patients. (ESHRE Task Force on Ethics and the Law, 2009)