Publisher:
The University of Nottingham, Centre for Research in Economic Development and International Trade (CREDIT), Nottingham
Abstract:
This study finds evidence of irreversible health deficits amongst young children who were exposed to the Lord's Resistance Army insurgency in Northern Uganda (1987- 2007). The causal effect of the conflict is found to be a 0.65 standard deviation fall in height-for-age z-scores amongst children exposed for a period of more than six months. In contrast, the health impacts of shorter periods of exposure are found to be relatively minimal. These findings highlight the need for a swift resolution to conflict, in particular where it impacts heavily upon civilian populations, without which, the health consequences of protracted wars may extend far beyond the current generation.