Government Health Spending and Outcomes in Nigeria: The HIV Case (1985 – 2021)

Abstract

In this study, from 1985 to 2021, the empirical relationship between health outcomes and government health spending in Nigeria is examined. Johansen Co-integration and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) econometric approaches are used to ascertain the long-term link between Nigerian public health spending and HIV. According to the report, public health investment, especially when used wisely, significantly affects HIV in Nigeria. Additionally, it was found that HIV in Nigeria is positively impacted by poverty and the literacy rate. Accordingly, based on the results of this study, the government should carefully plan and implement policies and programs that will reduce poverty at the level of the individual, the family, and the community. Additionally, government officials at all levels should step up their efforts to reduce the number of newly affected individuals through functional education. Additionally, the provision of public funds to the health sector needs to be increased and reorganized by the government.

Keywords: Poverty, literacy, health, government, VECM