Dynamic Linkages among HIV/AIDS, Health Expenditures, Environmental Degradation, Life Expectancy, and Economic Growth: A Case of Eastern Africa Countries

Abstract

Background: Eastern African countries are among the countries with a very high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate. High HIV/AIDS prevalence is a problem that has a detrimental effect on the economic development of these countries. Previous studies have generally examined the relationship of HIV/AIDS with life expectancy or economic growth. In this study, three different models have been established and the relationship of HIV/AIDS with economic growth, health expenditures, and life expectancy has been analyzed, and current econometric methods and policy recommendations have been developed according to the results. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between health expenditure, environmental degradation, life expectancy, HIV/AIDS, and economic growth. Method: Annual data from 9 Eastern African countries for the period of 2000-2019 were used. Panel ARDL/PMG and Dumitrescu-Hurlin methods were used. Results: HIV/AIDS negatively affects economic growth and life expectancy, and positively affects health expenditures. According to the causality results, HIV/AIDS is the cause of economic growth. In addition, a bidirectional causal relationship has been found between HIV/AIDS and life expectancy. Conclusion: The main conclusion of the study is that HIV/AIDS plays a negative role in economic growth and life expectancy. Further steps must be taken to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS, which causes these factors to affect the well-being of the countries.