Reducing Child Mortality in Bangladesh: Key Macroeconomic Factors

What is it about?

This research focuses on understanding the key factors influencing child mortality in Bangladesh, specifically neonatal, infant, and under-five mortalities, for the period from 1991 to 2018. The study also explores the implications of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) and Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG 4) for developing countries. Using annual time series data and advanced econometric techniques, the researchers sought to identify the most effective strategies for reducing child mortality. The study found that certain determinants played a crucial role in combating child mortality in Bangladesh. These include ensuring newborns are protected against tetanus, increasing healthcare expenditure, and ensuring that births are attended by skilled healthcare staff. It was observed that employing more healthcare workers and improving healthcare provisions could further reduce child mortality. Importantly, the research suggests that developing countries with similar macroeconomic profiles can achieve similar outcomes in reducing child mortality by adopting the policies and strategies that have proven successful in Bangladesh over the past three decades.

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Photo by National Library of Medicine on Unsplash

Photo by National Library of Medicine on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Child mortality is a significant global health issue, and understanding the factors that contribute to high child mortality rates is crucial for improving public health. This study is important because it provides valuable insights into the macroeconomic determinants of child mortality, specifically in a developing country context like Bangladesh. It highlights the success of certain strategies in reducing child mortality and their potential applicability in other countries with similar profiles. The findings emphasize the importance of protecting newborns against tetanus, increasing healthcare expenditure, and ensuring skilled healthcare staff attend births. These strategies have shown significant potential in reducing neonatal, infant, and under-five mortalities in Bangladesh. They offer practical guidelines for policymakers and healthcare professionals in similar countries to address child mortality effectively. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of public healthcare spending and economic growth in reducing child mortality. It suggests that investing in healthcare and fostering economic growth can have a positive impact on child survival rates. Reducing child mortality is a fundamental component of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, making this research highly relevant to global efforts to improve child health and well-being. By sharing the success stories and strategies that have worked in Bangladesh, this study contributes to the collective knowledge and informs evidence-based policies for reducing child mortality worldwide. KEY TAKEAWAY: The three most significant macroeconomic determinants of neonatal, infant, and under-five mortalities in Bangladesh are 'protecting newborns against tetanus,' 'increasing healthcare expenditure,' and 'making sure births are attended by skilled healthcare staff.' Emulating these strategies can help developing countries with similar economic profiles achieve the United Nations' SDG 3 and MDG 4 targets, reducing child mortality significantly. This research relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals: • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities