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Child mortality in a collapsing African society
M M Ibrahim1, H M Omar, L A Persson
1Department of Community Health, Medical Faculty, Somali National University, Mogadishu, Somalia.
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Child mortality in Somalia significantly increased from 1987-1989, especially for boys and infants. Socioeconomic factors like non-farming income and larger households worsened under-5 mortality risks during this period.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Somalia experienced severe economic and political instability between 1987-1989.
- Under-5 mortality rates are a critical indicator of population health and socioeconomic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the social determinants of under-5 mortality in rural Somalia during a period of national collapse.
- To identify key risk factors contributing to increased child mortality.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study was conducted in two Somali villages from 1987 to 1989.
- Analysis focused on the relative importance of social characteristics against deteriorating economic and political conditions.
Main Results:
- Under-5 mortality increased annually from 211 per 1000 in 1987 to 414 per 1000 in 1989.
- Mortality risk was higher for boys than girls and for infants compared to children aged 1-4 years.
- Diarrheal diseases showed a significant increase in mortality rates, while respiratory infections and vaccine-preventable diseases increased more slowly.
Conclusions:
- Deteriorating socioeconomic conditions exacerbated under-5 mortality in rural Somalia.
- Maternal income sources other than farming and larger household sizes were associated with increased mortality risk.
- Urgent public health interventions are needed to address child mortality in crisis-affected regions.