Health system productivity change in Zambia: A focus on the child health services

Abstract

Efficiency and productivity improvement have become central in global health debates. In this study, we explored productivity change, particularly the contribution of technological progress and efficiency gains associated with improvements in child survival in Zambia (population 15 million). Productivity was measured by applying the Malmquist productivity index on district-level panel data. The effect of socioeconomic factors was further analyzed by applying an ordinary least squares regression technique. During 2004-2009, overall productivity in Zambia increased by 5.0 per cent, a change largely attributed to technological progress rather than efficiency gains. Within-country productivity comparisons revealed wide heterogeneity in favor of more urbanized and densely populated districts. Improved cooking methods, improved sanitation, and better educated populations tended to improve productive gains, whereas larger household size had an adverse effect. Addressing such district-level factors and ensuring efficient delivery and optimal application of existing health technologies offer a practical pathway for further improving population health.

Economic growth and human development: Evidence from Zambia

“…On the other hand, health indicators have shown some improvement since the 2000s (Mara, 2016). 3 Improvement in health is partly owed to international donor organisations that substantially support the health sector of Zambia (Achoki et al, 2017;Mwisongo, Soumare, & Nabyonga-Orem, 2016).…”