Current HIV ResearchCurrent HIV ResearchCurrent HIV Research1570-162X1873-4251Bentham Science64399410.2174/011570162X271445231214091138MedicineResearch ArticleDynamic Linkages among HIV/AIDS, Health Expenditures, Environmental Degradation, Life Expectancy, and Economic Growth: A Case of Eastern Africa CountriesGovdeliTuncerinfo@benthamscience.netAtaturk University Oltu Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ataturk University01012024221475207012025Copyright ©; 2024, Bentham Science Publishers2024Bentham Science Publishershttps://journals.eco-vector.com/1570-162X/article/view/643994

Background:Eastern African countries are among the countries with a very high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate. High HIV/AIDS prevalence is a problem that has a detrimental effect on the economic development of these countries. Previous studies have generally examined the relationship of HIV/AIDS with life expectancy or economic growth. In this study, three different models have been established and the relationship of HIV/AIDS with economic growth, health expenditures, and life expectancy has been analyzed, and current econometric methods and policy recommendations have been developed according to the results.

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between health expenditure, environmental degradation, life expectancy, HIV/AIDS, and economic growth.

Method:Annual data from 9 Eastern African countries for the period of 2000-2019 were used. Panel ARDL/PMG and Dumitrescu-Hurlin methods were used.

Results:HIV/AIDS negatively affects economic growth and life expectancy, and positively affects health expenditures. According to the causality results, HIV/AIDS is the cause of economic growth. In addition, a bidirectional causal relationship has been found between HIV/AIDS and life expectancy.

Conclusion:The main conclusion of the study is that HIV/AIDS plays a negative role in economic growth and life expectancy. Further steps must be taken to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS, which causes these factors to affect the well-being of the countries.

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