Catastrophic Health Expenditure and Infant Mortality Rate in Southwest Region of Cameroon, Policy Recommendation.

Abstract:

Catastrophic health expenditure has emerged as one of the most persistent barriers to achieving universal health coverage in developing nations since 2005. In Cameroon, particularly within the Southwest Region, high out-of-pocket spending on healthcare has intensified household poverty levels and restricted access to essential maternal and child health services. This study investigates the relationship between catastrophic health expenditure and the infant mortality rate in the Southwest Region of Cameroon using secondary data covering the period from 2005 to 2016. The analysis explores how rising healthcare costs and financial shocks at the household level contribute to preventable infant deaths and poor health outcomes. Data were obtained from reliable international and national sources, including the World Bank, World Health Organization, Demographic and Health Surveys, and the National Institute of Statistics. Using a descriptive and correlational approach, the study examines both the trend and magnitude of catastrophic health expenditure alongside infant mortality patterns over the last two decades. The findings reveal a strong positive association between the financial burden of healthcare and the level of infant mortality, particularly among low-income and uninsured households. Regions where healthcare costs consume a large share of family income consistently show higher rates of infant deaths, reflecting the vulnerability of poor families to financial hardship. The study underscores the urgent need for policy action aimed at reducing out-of-pocket health spending and improving the affordability of quality care. Recommended interventions include expanding community-based and national health insurance schemes, providing targeted subsidies for maternal and child healthcare, and investing in accessible primary healthcare infrastructure. Moreover, strengthening monitoring and data systems to track catastrophic health expenditure and infant mortality indicators is crucial for informed decision-making. The findings reaffirm that effective financial protection policies are central to improving infant survival and achieving sustainable health outcomes in the Southwest Region of Cameroon.