An empirical analysis of the effects of schistosomiasis and lymphatic filariasis on macroeconomic output in Ghana

Background: Schistosomiasis and Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) are endemic in Ghana. These diseases cause significant morbidity and disability which can adversely affect the participation of affected persons and their caregivers in economic activities, resulting in reduced economic output at the macrolevel. This study, therefore aims to provide the first empirical evidence of the effects of these diseases on economic output at the macrolevel in Ghana.

Methods: The study uses annual time series data on Ghana collected from secondary sources over the period, 1990–2019. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is used as the proxy for macroeconomic output (i.e., dependent variable) and the main independent variables are the point prevalence of schistosomiasis and LF (including their sex disaggregation). The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and the Instrumental Variable Two-Stage Least Square (IV2SLS) regressions are employed as estimation techniques.

Results: Using the OLS (IV2SLS) regressions, a percentage increase in the overall prevalence of schistosomiasis as well as the prevalence of schistosomiasis among males and females is found to be associated with a 1.37% (1.36%), 1.29% (1.30%) and 1.41% (1.39%) fall in macroeconomic output respectively, at the 1% level of significance. Similarly, a percentage increase in the overall prevalence of LF as well as the prevalence of LF among males and females is found to be associated with a 0.34% (0.37%), 0.34% (0.37%) and 0.34% (0.38%) fall in macroeconomic output respectively, at the 1% level of significance.

Conclusion: There is the need to strengthen efforts towards fighting schistosomiasis and LF in Ghana in order to reduce their associated economic losses.