INDOOR AIR POLLUTION, MATERNAL AND NEONATAL MORTALITY NEXUS: EVIDENCE FROM LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between indoor air pollution and maternal and neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) using panel data from 40 countries spanning 2011 to 2020. Utilizing the System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM) estimator, the analysis addresses potential endogeneity, dynamic persistence, and unobserved heterogeneity. Results indicate that a 1% increase in indoor air pollution corresponds with an approximate 0.03% rise in maternal mortality and a 0.04% increase in neonatal mortality. In contrast, higher female education levels, greater access to clean cooking fuels, and increased government health expenditure significantly reduce mortality rates. Furthermore, elevated dependency ratios and poverty are positively linked to higher mortality, underscoring socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Diagnostic checks affirm the robustness and validity of the model. These findings emphasize the urgency of integrated health and economic policies aimed at clean energy adoption, educational advancement, poverty reduction, and enhanced public health investment to effectively reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in LMICs.