Impact of Reproductive Health Services on Socio-Economic Development In Sub-Saharan Africa: Connecting Evidence at Macro, Meso and Micro-Level

Last updated September 2009

Authors:
Ruerd Ruben; Switbert Kamazima

Abstract:

Whereas knowledge regarding the operational design of reproductive health services is increasingly available, its impact on social and economic development is still poorly understood. This project analyzes the relationships and interactions between reproductive health and poverty at the individual/household, community and district level, relying on three datasets. Special attention is given to the likelihood of RH shocks and the impact of availability and use of various types of reproductive health services on (and changes in) assets and investment behavior.
 
The research relies on enriched DHS Surveys and WB-LSMS panel data on individuals/households with differential reproductive health service use and practices, followed by detailed assessment of the likelihood of changes in wealth status (assets, investments and risk attitudes). Additional experimental research is carried out among respondents of the WB-LSMS panel. The combined analyses provide new insights in how specific reproductive health services can reduce poverty incidence, and generate evidence-based policy and programme recommendations.

Collaborating researchers:
Phares Mujinja (MUHAS Health economics, Tanzania); Gideon Kwesigabo (MUHAS, Public health); Rob Baltussen (UMC Radboud, the Netherlands); Jeroen Smits (NICE / Radboud University, the Netherlands)
 
External experts:
Gabriel Mwaluko (TANESA (NGO), Tanzania); Lilian Kakwesigabo, (TANSWED, Tanzania); Henk Rolink (World Population Foundation, the Netherlands); Dr. Joseph Semboja (REPOA, Tanzania)

Projects and project researchers within the program:
  • District reproductive health investments and poverty reduction in 32 Sub-Saharan African countries; PhD-project: Abiba Longwe
  • Estimating the impact of reproductive health services on social and economic variables in Tanzania on the basis of Kagera Health and Development Survey panel data; PhD-project: Dereck Chitama
  • P/RH Impact on investment incentives and risk attitudes; PhD-project: Idda Mosha
  • Micro-macro simulation and policy impact of P/RH programs; post-doc project: Ben d’Exelle, Evert Ketting
  • Comparative impact assessment of multiple RHS channels; post-doc project: Datius Rweyemamu
Contact Information:
Ruerd Ruben, Radboud University Nijmegen, Centre for International Development Issues Nijmegen, the Netherlands, r.ruben@maw.ru.nl; Switbert Kamazima, Muhimbili University College of Health Science, Institute of Public Health, Tanzania, skamazima@yahoo.com

Comments