Malaria and Primary Education: A Cross-country Analysis on Repetition and Completion Rates

Abstract

This paper explores the link between P. falciparum malaria – the causative agent of most malaria-related morbidity and mortality – and primary education in terms of school performances at macroeconomic level. Cross-country regression analysis shows that the relationship between school results (measured by repetition and completion rates) and the P. falciparum malaria index is strong. The results imply that the achievement of the educational Millennium Development Goals will require more than just focusing on expenditure in primary education. This does not mean that resources allied to education are unnecessary, but simply that increasing resources in education and improving education resources management alone are unlikely to be sufficient. This paper suggests that health conditions, especially diseases such as malaria that could alter children’s cognitive capacities, should be taken into account much more seriously. We also see the need to place emphasis on research that will improve the quality of interventions to prevent malaria. Specific education expenditure combined with health policies should be investigated further as a means of tackling malaria.JEL Classification: O15, I10, I20.

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