Sanctions and their impacts on medical trade and health outcomes

Abstract

AbstractDespite the intention that sanctions, by design, should not harm civilians' welfare, evidence shows that they can negatively affect health outcomes. In this study, I measure the impact of sanctions on international trade in medical supplies and cross‐country mortality rates. I find that sanctions, particularly those imposed by the United States, decrease the volume of medical exports to targeted countries, potentially leading to worse health outcomes. I also discover that sanctions increase mortality rates in the targeted countries, particularly for women with HIV/AIDS infections. Termination of foreign aid, blockades, and partial embargoes have the most damaging effect on mortality.