Effects of Maternal and Child Health Outcomes on GDP Growth Rate in Bangladesh

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the effect of maternal and child health outcomes to GDP growth rate in Bangladesh during the last two decades. To serve the purpose, relevant data have been extracted from the World Bank database, Bangladesh Sample Vital Registration System 2018 (SVRS) and Bangladesh Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Coverage Evaluation Survey 2006 as well as 2016 have been studied. Study revealed a substantial improvement in maternal and childhood mortality reduction in Bangladesh during the study period. An increasing trend in GDP growth rate has also been observed for the same period. Between the year 2000 to 2014, the maternal mortality rate (per 1000 live births) declined from 3.99 to 1.88 and the total fertility rate declined from 3.3 to 2.3 respectively. The neonatal mortality rate was declined by 1.5%, under-5 mortality by 4.8% and infant mortality by 2.8% in the same period of time. Significant correlation is observed for all the maternal and child health outcomes and GDP growth rates. Results from partial least square (PLS) regression model reveals that both the maternal and child mortality rate possess significant association with the response variable GDP growth rate. Although small in proportion, a substantial increasing trend for the vaccination coverage has been observed with the increasing trend of GDP growth. Having the idea about the observed trends over the years in hand, the policy-makers may able to make proper projections and take decisions more precisely. Both the government and the NGOs must take more effective initiatives to ensure safe maternal and child health for a healthier forthcoming generation which would confirm better future GDP growth rate.