A cluster survey of mortality due to neonatal tetanus in Kenya

Three house-to-house surveys were conducted in three different districts in Kenya, using a cluster survey technique for estimation of neonatal tetanus death rates. The results showed neonatal death rates of 10, 16 and 23 per 1000 livebirths and neonatal tetanus death rates of 6, 11 and 16 per 1000 livebirths respectively. A recall method based on interviews with women attending antenatal clinics gave much lower rates. The community surveys indicate a total neonatal tetanus death rate of 8 per 1000 livebirths and it is estimated that each year between 8000 and 12,000 children die in Kenya from this preventable disease.