CREDIT
Centre for Research in Economic Development and International Trade

CREDIT 19/11: Early childhood health during conflict: The legacy of the Lord's Resistance Army in Northern Uganda

Abstract

This study finds evidence of irreversible health deficits amongst young children who were exposed to the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency in Northern Uganda (1987- 2007). The causal effect of the conflict is found to be a 0.65 standard deviation fall in height-for-age z-scores amongst children exposed for a period of more than six months. In contrast, the health impacts of shorter periods of exposure are found to be relatively minimal. These findings highlight the need for a swift resolution to conflict, in particular where it impacts heavily upon civilian populations, without which, the health consequences of protracted wars may extend far beyond the current generation.

Download the paper in PDF format

 

Authors

Sarah Bridges and Douglas Scott

 

View all CREDIT discussion papers | View all School of Economics featured discussion papers

Posted on Thursday 21st November 2019

Centre for Research in Economic Development and International Trade

Sir Clive Granger Building
University of Nottingham
University Park
Nottingham, NG7 2RD

Enquiries: hilary.hughes@nottingham.ac.uk