ASSESSING THE ROLE OF SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS ON WILLINGNESS-TO- PAY FOR MALARIA INSURANCE WITH OUTDOOR MOSQUITOES COMMUNITY FUMIGATION IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge around the world, especially in sub-Saharan African countries. The high transmission rates of this disease contribute to a substantial economic burden in the form of out-of-pocket expenditure and health issues, which can lead to death, especially among children under five years old and pregnant women. Several methods have been employed to eradicate malaria and prevent mosquitoes; however, the eradication of mosquito breeding sources has not yet been explored. This study assesses the role of socioeconomic factors on willingness to pay (WTP) for malaria health insurance with outdoor mosquitoes’ community fumigation (MHI-OMCF) in Kwara state, Nigeria. Data was collected from one local government with the highest prevalence of malaria incidences in Kwara state. Random utility theory with expected utility theory was used to elicit 450 households' WTP for 
MHI-OMCF. Subsequently, probit regression was used to analyse the level of education, level of income, type of employment, age, premium amount, marital status, gender and residential area on WTP for MHI-OMCF. All the socioeconomic factors have a significant effect on WTP for MHI-OMCF except gender. The study recommended that the Nigerian government and private parastatals should improve and facilitate the establishment of MHI-OMCF with proper inclusion in the national malaria elimination program.