Economic Growth and Health Status in Africa: Experience from Southern African Development Community Bloc.

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which economic growth affects the health status of 10 out of 16 Southern African and Development Community countries. Specifically, the paper examines the extent economic growth indicators. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, Inflation Rate, and Unemployment Rate - affect Life Expectancy at Birth and Infant Mortality Rate. The paper uses panel data from 2009 – 2019 and applies the Fixed Effect Model in econometrics. The research found that economic growth significantly impacts both Life Expectancy at Birth and Infant Mortality rates. For instance, higher levels of Gross Domestic Product per capita increase Life Expectancy at Birth while it reduces the Infant Mortality Rates. The study concludes that economic growth remains a primary determinant of the country’s health status.