Effects of health care costs on child mortality rates in Nandi County.

Abstract

This study is aimed at investigating the effects of health care costs on under five mortality outcomes in Kenya Nandi County, by using secondary data analysis from Kenya demographic and health survey of 2008/2009. Infant and child mortality rates in a given country reflect the health status and social well being of society. In addition to being an indicator of the nation’s well being, child mortality on its own is a recipe for emotional challenges bedeviling citizens which torment their peaceful lives. The reduction of child mortality rates by two thirds for the period between year 1990 and 2015 is the millennium development goal number four. It is part of the important global agendas that target to make the world a better place to live in for humanity and a key component of universal health as a right for all. This research is aimed at establishing the relationship between healthcare costs and child mortality rates in Kenya. With specific bias to under- five mortality rates, we explored the variables of health care costs that influence child mortality outcomes in Kenya. Currently, healthcare in Kenya is on greater proportion financed by out of pocket expenditure thereby directly affecting household’s incomes. Other sources of healthcare financing include direct government purchasing, private health insurance, the national health insurance and donor funding.According to my study, Kenya needs to build on past achievements by stepping up efforts to further reduce infant and under-five mortality. Concerning education, my results suggest that additional efforts should be put in increasing girls’ and women’s education levels. The government should consult with its policy makers at the ministry of health and other relevant departments for to have a clear cut policy that aim to reduce infant and child mortality and save Kenyan parents the suffering they undergo in losing their young ones. Increased public spending in these areas could thus be a more efficient tool for achieving the desired development outcome.