Urbanization, Institutional Quality and Public Health in Sub-Saharan African Countries

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between urbanization and public health indicators through institutional quality in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Using a panel of 41 countries covering 2002 to 2019 period and the generalized method of moments (GMM), the results show that current urbanization in SSA is not accompanied by an improvement in health indicators. However, strong institutions mitigate the negative effect of urbanization on public health outcomes. These results imply that SSA governments must promote strong and inclusive institutions to ensure the health benefits of urbanization.(original abstract)