Maternal schooling, public health programmes and child morbidity in Nigeria

Abstract

The role of investment in human resources and subsequent multiplier on the economic growth of any nation has been adequately addressed in the literature. Education, a major investment in human resources helps in improving the productivity of labour in the labour market and also in influencing children mental alertness and health outcomes. Maternal education and public health programmes have been found to impact positively on child morbidity in developed countries thereby contributing to the growth of any economy, which will bring about sustainable development and inclusive growth. This work therefore examines the influence of maternal education and public health programmes on child health (morbidity) in Nigeria using the Harmonised Nigeria Living Standard Survey (2009). Descriptive Statistics and two stage least square estimation procedure were used to analyse the data. The results revealed a negative relationship between child immunisation and child health (morbidity) in Nigeria. Equally, the study found out that improving girl child education will go a long way in improving child morbidity. Based on our findings, the study recommends adequate publicity for public health programmes. Also, household income enhancing interventions should be put in place, doing this will go a long way in improving child health and survival, which in the long-run will improve per-capita income and consumption. © the author(s).