Economic Globalization: Boon or Bane for African Health?

Abstract

The effect of globalization, especially economic liberalization, on socioeconomic development has long been debated in development economics. There is a view that globalization is not beneficial to the underdeveloped and developing world. Africa is always put forward as an example. So it is important to see what is really the impact of international integration and increasing trade on countries of Africa. Evidence for this is very limited and inconclusive. The present study attempts to decipher how health status of African countries is impacted by the economic liberalization. It aims to bridge the gap between the two strands of literature: (i) impact of economic liberalization on growth, and (ii) effect of economic growth on health status. The findings show a positive effect of globalization on the health status of African countries with those having lower income and underdeveloped status in initial period benefiting more.