MALARIA IMPACT ON FERTILITY: AFTER SEVEN YEARS OF CONTROL IN MALI

Abstract

Using natural difference in malaria susceptibility between Dogon and Fulani ethnics and the decrease in malaria prevalence between 2006 and 2012, I analyzed the impact of malaria on fertility in Mali. Based on data from two rounds of Demographic Health Survey and the difference-in-difference combined with instrumental variable estimation method, I find a robust negative effect of malaria on fertility. The findings suggest that the decrease in malaria prevalence was conversely increase proportionate to the fertility, and maternal education and infant mortality are the main driver of the effect. This might increase the portion of non-productive population which could decrease GDP per capita. Policies that address the high fertility in Mali, must improve mother education, child survival and tackle effectively the precarious health conditions during pregnancy and delivery.