An Empirical Analysis of Infant Mortality

Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa Countries

Abstract

Newborn deaths are often used as measure of living standard of citizens as well as health indicator of nations. The rate is so high in developing countries, and more in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region. This paper therefore investigated the main drivers of infant mortality in a sample of eight SSA nations. The empirical findings reveal that newborn deaths are negative and statistically significant with the quality and availability of water supplies, sanitation facility, improved standard of living; but positively related and statistically significant to the increase in pollution level these countries. The study therefore recommend that government’s efforts should also be directed towards enhancing effective child healthcare services, provision of infrastructural facilities such as, improving access to drinkable water, and citizens’ welfare.