Human Development Index and Under-five Mortality in the Middle East and North African Countries

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to examine the impact of the human development index (HDI) and other key macroeconomic variables on under-five mortality rates in the select Middle East and North African (MENA) countries from 2003 to 2019. Methods: The study used a panel data method to examine the impact of macroeconomic ‎variables, such as HDI, gross national income per capita ‎‎(GNI), urbanization rate, government health expenditure as a percentage of gross ‎domestic product (GDP), and income distribution inequality index (Gini) on under-five mortality rates in the select MENA countries. Results: The HDI, GNI, urbanization rate, and government health expenditure share to GDP, have decreasing effects on the under-five mortality rate, while inequality in income distribution worsens health status and increases the under-five mortality rate. Conclusions: By strengthening the HDI and increasing economic growth, employment rate, and per capita income, people in the community will have access to health services, thereby reducing under-five mortality.