Determinants of Children’s Health for Human Capital Accumulation: Empirical Analysis

In this paper we study the determinants of children health resources for human capital accumulation on a sample of children living in Cameroon. Data are from Demographic and Health Survey (DHS-III). We find that using ordinary least squares (OLS): employment status of the mother is significant compared with growth indices of children. Age explains the nutritional status of long and short term children growth. Vaccination is significant related to the nutritional status of children with a positive impact on the long term. The level of maternal education positively influences the growth index in short term. Community infrastructures such as water, electricity and toilets are significant and positive in relation to the growth indices of children in the long term. Recommendations for economic policy suggest: (i) the improvement in health conditions using public and private investments in health infrastructures, (ii) the continuation of the vaccination program, and (iii) the advancement in medical and scientific knowledge in order to promote health capital of children for human capital accumulation.