SATURDAY IMAOBONG AKPAN

The study empirically examined the relationship between poverty and maternal mortality rate. The Augmented Dickey Fuller unit root test was employed to test for the order of integration of the series. It was found to be stationary at first and second differences. Then the Johansen Co-integration technique was employed to determine if there is long run relationship between the dependent and independent variables of the model. Furthermore, the Vector Error Correction Mechanism technique (VECM) was used to estimate the regression coefficients and to correct for any disequilibrium between the short run and long run dynamics of the model. The short run and long run version of the model were specified. Results showed that, poverty was correctly signed and was statistically significant. The study therefore recommends, among others, that measures should be taken to curb maternal mortality and alleviate poverty.