Thread by @Kentikelenis

New in @socscimed: We study the impact of IMF structural adjustment programs on health in developing countries; w/ T Forster, @thomstubbs, L King

In short: IMF programs increase neonatal mortality & lower access to health systems.

THREAD.

Open-access: doi.org/10.1016/j.socs…

International organizations are broadcasting their commitment to aiding #SDG attainment. But might their actual policy advice hurt progress towards these goals? We look at the case of the #IMF.

2/9

IMF structural adjustment programs—mandating austerity, deregulation, liberalization, & privatization—have been the workhorse of neoliberal globalization. For the history of such policies, see here:

3/9

https://twitter.com/Kentikelenis/status/1136588407621193730?s=20

Can #health be impacted by structural adjustment programs?

Many possible channels, including the following links to health inequalities:
1. higher income inequality due to austerity
2. unhealthy diets due to trade liberalization
3. rising health costs due to privatization

4/9

Structural adjustment programs also sought to reform employment & working conditions, a key social determinant of health #SDOH.
* Limits or cuts to wages -> inability to pay for health services
* Reduction in the workforce -> unemployment
* Deregulation -> greater insecurity

5/9

We conducted regression analysis on a panel of 137 developing countries for 1980-2014.

Controlling for borrowing countries’ socio-economic circumstances, IMF structural adjustment conditions significantly lower health system access (#UHC) and increase neonatal mortality.

6/9

A closer look at labor market reforms: 34% of all IMF programs in 1980-2014 include at least one condition on labor markets.

Again, we find that labor market reforms contribute to lower health system access and higher neonatal mortality.

7/9

In short, we show that the IMF—a key advocate for ever-deepening international economic integration—has exacerbated health inequalities. The poor are affected the most!

8/9

Sadly, the Fund is yet to take responsibility for its actions and continues to prescribe harmful reforms. After decades of failure, it is high time to abandon these socially-damaging policies.

/END

PS: Our findings echo those of just published @UNHumanRights report by @IEfinanceHRs that finds int'l financial institutions (like the IMF) complicit in human rights violations - incl. the right to health - in the context of retrogressive economic reforms undocs.org/A/74/178