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Early childhood health during conflict: The legacy of the Lord’s Resistance Army in Northern Uganda

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  • Sarah Bridges
  • Douglas Scott

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Bridges & Douglas Scott, 2019. "Early childhood health during conflict: The legacy of the Lord’s Resistance Army in Northern Uganda," Discussion Papers 2019-11, University of Nottingham, CREDIT.
    • Handle: RePEc:not:notcre:19/11
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    Keywords

    conflict; Uganda; child health;
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