One of the AHEAD Research Network’s goals is to encourage the production and publication of high quality economics and social science research in the Middle-Eastern and North African (MENA) and Sub-Sharan African (SSA) Regions. To achieve this goal, the AHEAD Research Network has launched a Working Papers Series to disseminate new academic papers related to the field of health and wellbeing, equity and development focusing on the two regions, and to explore ideas through scholarly discussions. The Series disseminate works in progress and work under review. The discussion papers are published to stimulate discussion and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. The Series offers authors the chance to receive peer feedback on their work (both in progress and under review). The series also provide authors with an early means of publication prior to further development of their work and gives them exposure to a broad audience, which can result in potential collaborations with researchers in and outside the MENA and SSA regions.