Effect of Income Elasticity on MDG Health Indicators : The Case of MENA Countries

The health target is still considered one of the most challenging goals for most Middle East and North African (MENA) Countries. Using Panel Least Square with Regional Dummies (LSDV) for 20 MENA countries over the period 2000–2009, the study concludes that with less than 5 years for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to be concluded, a significant acceleration in economic growth is required for the MENA countries to achieve their goals on reducing the under-five infant mortality rates (UFMR) and the maternal mortality rates (MMR) if these countries depended solely on economic growth. As a policy implication, MENA governments need to concentrate on developing and improving many areas including social and physical infrastructure as well as legal and financial institutions