The Effects of Public Health Spending on Maternal Mortality in Nigeria

Abstract

This study attempts to examine the effects of public health spending on maternal mortality in Nigeria. It is informed by the escalating nature of maternal mortality outcomes in Nigeria. A panel data regression analysis was employed from the years 2003 to 2015 from selected 25 States in Nigeria. The study adopted instrumental variables strategy as a solution for possible endogeneity for its econometric analysis. After controlling for other relevant covariates like female per capita income, female literacy rate, and urbanization, we realized that public health expenditure is a vital factor in reducing incidences of maternal mortality in Nigeria.

Keywords: Maternal Mortality, Public Health Spending, Nigeria, Health Expenditure

JEL CODES: JEL-G, H, I