Effects of Economic Growth on Health Outcomes: A Panel Data Study of Sub-Saharan Africa

This paper takes an extra look at the debate of economic growth as a trendy issue in the world and predominantly a deep-rooted distress of Sub-Saharan Africa and Africa (SSA) as a whole. The study investigates the effect of economic growth on health in Sub-Saharan Africa with data from 1991-2015 using pooled OLS and two-ways fixed effect method as captured by infant mortality rate, fertility rate, and life expectancy total, (years) with other explanatory variables. The result shows that economic growth and health outcomes have a statistically strong negative significant relationship. The analysis showed that economic growth decreases infant mortality rates and fertility rate through the provision of healthcare services and improves life expectancy as well. In addition, other variables including agriculture, services, and population significantly affects health outcomes, while per capita income (GDPPC) unveils more effect on health in SSA. The findings of this study recommend that economic growth remains a vital determinant in improving health outcomes in Sub-Saharan African countries, though SSA is characterized by an unstable trend of economic growth and poor health facilities.