Health performance and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa: new evidence based on quantile regressions

PurposeThe present study investigates the nexus between health performance dynamics and economic growth in 43 countries in sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2004-2018.Design/methodology/approachFour health performance dynamics are used, notably: total life expectancy, male life expectancy, female life expectancy and risk of maternal death. The empirical evidence is based on quantile regressions (QRs) in order to put into perspective the conditional distribution of economic growth.FindingsThe following findings are established: (1) total life expectancy and male life expectancy increase economic growth exclusively in the 10th and 90th quantiles of economic growth; (2) female life expectancy boosts economic growth in the 90th quantile of economic growth and (3) the risk of maternal death reduces economic growth in the 75th and 90th quantiles of economic growth. Policy implications are discussed.Originality/valueThe study complements the literature on the nexus between health performance and economic growth by assessing the nexuses throughout the conditional distribution of economic growth.

Automated summary

The present study examines the relationship between health performance dynamics and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa from 2004 to 2018. The study finds that total life expectancy and male life expectancy have a positive impact on economic growth only at the 10th and 90th quantiles, while female life expectancy has a positive impact on economic growth at the 90th quantile. On the other hand, the risk of maternal death negatively affects economic growth at the 75th and 90th quantiles. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.