Socio-Economic Determinants of Child Health: A South Asian Perspective

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to investigate the socio-economic determinants of under-five child mortality for the South Asian countries especially within the specified time period of MDG4 from 2000 to 2015. Results of random effect model demonstrate that immunization and female education have significant proportion in reducing under-five child mortality during the period of 2000-2015. Comparatively female labor force participation and remittances have less contribution in reducing child mortality. In this regard, there should be some incentives in the job market to increase female labor force participation for further reduction in child mortality. Also, significant proportion of child mortality can be reduced by awareness campaigns regarding the use of remittance income for better child health care. Urbanization and adolescent fertility caused to increase the under-five child mortality rate in South Asia. So, there should be better health care facilities in slum areas and strict laws should be made against the early age marriages. There is dire need to focus on awareness campaigns, especially to literate females regarding the health aspects of the family members for sustainable development of the household and the economy also.