Journal of Business & Economic Policy

Demand for Health as an Investment in Zimbabwe
Joe Muzurura

Abstract
We estimate demand for health as an investment in Zimbabwe using eight economic, environmental and social factors that health economists have identified as fundamental components of demand for health and medical services. Our main results indicate that education, teenage pregnancy ,high dependency ratio, mortality rates of children under five years and overseas development assistance inflows have statistically significant effect on the demand for health in Zimbabwe. In order to improve health status, we recommend adoption of policies that consider health as an investment rather than consumption good. Health education campaigns should be targeted to population groups with lower educational attainment including teenagers and that Zimbabwe must urgently address health production expenditure constraints by engaging externally health oriented donors. Adopting these strategies will improve new-born mortality, child health and nutrition; increase the availability of medical products, vaccines and technologies; increase human resources for health; and improve current health policy, planning and implementation

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