Multi-dimensional impact of governance quality on child health outcomes: empirical insights from Vietnam

Purpose This study sheds light on the multi-dimensional impact of governance quality on child health outcomes, measured by the infant mortality rate (IMR) and under-5 mortality rate (U5MR), across 63 provinces in Vietnam from 2006 to 2021. The study aims to identify which governance dimensions most significantly influence these health indicators. Design/methodology/approach Using a panel dataset spanning 16 years, this study employs the fixed effects (FE) and the two-step system generalised method of moments (SGMM) estimators to analyse the relationship between various dimensions of governance quality and child health outcomes. Governance dimensions include local participation, vertical accountability, transparency, public administrative procedures, control of corruption and public service delivery. Findings The results indicate that overall governance quality has a stronger impact on U5MR than on IMR. Specific dimensions such as local participation, vertical accountability and public service delivery exhibit stronger effects on IMR, while transparency, public administrative procedures and control of corruption have a more pronounced impact on U5MR. Practical implications Policymakers should prioritize targeted governance reforms, focusing on dimensions with the most significant influence on specific child health outcomes, to optimize resource allocation and intervention strategies. Social implications Improved governance quality can enhance healthcare delivery, reduce mortality rates and contribute to broader social well-being, particularly in vulnerable communities. Originality/value This study offers a concise understanding of how different governance dimensions uniquely affect child health outcomes. It emphasizes the need for a multi-dimensional and tailored governance approach to effectively reduce child mortality rates in Vietnam and other developing countries.