IMPACT OF HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE ON INFANTS AND CHILDREN IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract

Childbirth should be a joyous occasion, yet in Nigeria, it's often shadowed by the grim reality of high child mortality. This study delves into a critical piece of the puzzle: the impact of health infrastructure on the survival of Nigeria's youngest citizens. Between 2000 and 2019, we examined how the availability of healthcare professionals, the strength of primary healthcare centers (PHCs), and the reach of immunization programs influence the chances of a child reaching their fifth birthday. While other research has explored factors like healthcare spending and maternal health, our focus is squarely on the direct contribution of these core elements of health infrastructure. Using data from sources like the World Development Indicators and the Nigerian Demographic Health Survey, we employed a statistical model called the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to uncover both immediate and long-term connections. We grounded our work in the functionalism theory, which emphasizes the vital role of a robust health system, including its infrastructure, in reducing child deaths. We also looked at the trends in child mortality, the presence of healthcare workers, the state of PHCs, and how many children are being immunized. Our goal is to give policymakers and healthcare providers solid evidence to help them improve child health and move closer to the Sustainable Development Goals for child welfare. Ultimately, this research hopes to shine a light on the often-overlooked importance of health infrastructure in saving children's lives in Nigeria.