Macroeconomic Determinants of Child Mortality Rates in SAARC Countries.

Abstract

Child mortality remains a significant global challenge, as numerous countries have difficulties in meeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2, which seeks to reduce child mortality rates by 2030. Previous research has examined child mortality in SAARC nations, but the impact of macroeconomic factors remains considerably underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining the impact of inflation, labour force participation rate of females, GDP per capita, and healthcare expenditure on child mortality in SAARC nations through panel regression analysis of World Bank data from 2000 to 2022. The findings suggest that GDP per capita and healthcare expenditure have a negative and significant impact on child mortality, indicating that economic growth and increased health spending contribute to child survival. The labour force participation rate of females has a significant positive impact on child mortality, which implies that maternal employment could be related to challenges in childcare. Furthermore, inflation has been shown to have a statistically insignificant negative effect on child mortality. This analysis presents a novel viewpoint on the impact of macroeconomic factors on child health outcomes, including evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and health organisations. By understanding the economic determinants of child mortality, governments can develop targeted policies and initiatives to enhance child health and accelerate progress toward SDG 3.2 by 2030. The findings of this study contribute to the broader discussion on economic resilience and health equity, underscoring the need for integrated policy strategies to reduce child mortality in SAARC nations.