The contribution of health outcomes and nutrition to economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The research was on the contribution of health outcomes and nutrition to GDP in SSA countries. This is important because an economy is only as strong as its health sector. The study covered the period from 1990 to 2018. The panel regression framework was adopted to analyse the data obtained from 36 countries. The variables are integrated after first difference, I (1) as indicated by the unit roots test. The result of both the Pedroni and Kao Cointegration tests indicate the presence of a remote equilibrium association among the variables. The results indicated GFCF and GEXH have a positive and portentous impact on GDP. LEX has insignificant and positive impact on GDP. The depth of food deficit has negative and meaningful impact on GDP. The HIV prevalence (HP) has a negative and portentous impact on GDP. Infant mortality and maternity mortality have negative and portentous impact on the level of GDP. The study concludes that GEXH, nutrition and LEX are necessary components to improving GDP in SSA countries. The study recommends amongst others an increase in budgetary allocation by all levels of government to the health care industry so as to improve salubrity condition, reduce health inequality gap among the population and in addition lead to higher growth and development.