human development index and under-five mortality in the middle east and north african countries

Background: this study aimed to examine the impact of the human development index (hdi) and other key macroeconomic variables on under-five mortality rates in the select middle east and north african (mena) countries from 2003 to 2019. methods: the study used a panel data method to examine the impact of macroeconomic ‎variables, such as hdi, gross national income per capita ‎‎(gni), urbanization rate, government health expenditure as a percentage of gross ‎domestic product (gdp), and income distribution inequality index (gini) on under-five mortality rates in the select mena countries. results: the hdi, gni, urbanization rate, and government health expenditure share to gdp, have decreasing effects on the under-five mortality rate, while inequality in income distribution worsens health status and increases the under-five mortality rate. conclusions:by strengthening the hdi and increasing economic growth, employment rate, and per capita income, people in the community will have access to health services, thereby reducing under-five mortality.