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How Transport Networks and Socio-Demographic Factors Influence Malaria Risk among Children: Evidence from Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Chun Yee Wong

    (International University of Japan)

  • Caren Miriel Oshome

    (International University of Japan)

Abstract

This study examines how transport networks and socio-demographic factors affect malaria infection rates among children in Kenya. An instrumental-variable complementary log-log model was employed to obtain robust estimates using 2020 Malaria Indicator Survey Data. Results indicate that each additional year of maternal education decreases malaria incidence in children by 0.40 percentage points. In areas with high road density, the likelihood of malaria increases by approximately 6.47 to 7.53 percentage points. However, heterogeneity analysis indicates that education reduces malaria risk by 0.57 percentage points in high-density areas. In rural areas, increased road density exacerbates malaria risk. Children in rural areas have an increased risk of about 10.6 percentage points in the third and fourth quartiles, while in urban areas, only children in the third quartile see a smaller increase of 3.27 percentage points. Thus, it is evident that investing in infrastructure may not lead to improved health outcomes unless women fs education and malaria control programs are also addressed. To effectively reduce the risk of malaria, it's essential to combine educational policies with public health strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Chun Yee Wong & Caren Miriel Oshome, 2026. "How Transport Networks and Socio-Demographic Factors Influence Malaria Risk among Children: Evidence from Kenya," Working Papers EMS_2026_11, Research Institute, International University of Japan.
    • Handle: RePEc:iuj:wpaper:ems_2026_11
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Aggarwal, Shilpa, 2021. "The long road to health: Healthcare utilization impacts of a road pavement policy in rural India," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
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