The most common cause of under 5 mortality in Nigeria is neonatal disorders. These conditions account for nearly a third of all deaths among children under the age of five in the country.
Leading Causes of Under 5 Mortality in Nigeria (2021)
Based on recent data, neonatal disorders represent the largest share of under 5 deaths in Nigeria. This category encompasses a range of issues affecting newborns, often linked to complications during birth or immediately after.
Here's a breakdown of the primary causes and their respective shares of deaths:
| Characteristic | Share of Deaths |
|---|---|
| Neonatal disorders | 31.91% |
| Malaria | 16.05% |
| Lower respiratory infections | 12.75% |
| Diarrheal diseases | 12.41% |
Understanding Neonatal Disorders
Neonatal disorders refer to health problems that affect infants within the first 28 days of life. These can include:
- Preterm birth complications: Babies born too early often have underdeveloped organs, leading to breathing difficulties, infections, and other severe health issues.
- Birth asphyxia: A lack of oxygen during or immediately after birth, which can cause brain damage or other organ failure.
- Sepsis and other severe infections: Newborns are particularly vulnerable to infections due to their immature immune systems.
- Congenital anomalies: Birth defects present at birth.
The significant percentage attributed to neonatal disorders highlights the critical need for improved maternal and newborn healthcare services in Nigeria, including quality antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and essential postnatal care.
Other Major Contributors to Child Mortality
While neonatal disorders are the leading cause, other preventable diseases also contribute significantly to under 5 mortality in Nigeria:
- Malaria: A mosquito-borne disease that remains a major public health challenge, especially for young children who are more susceptible to severe forms of the illness.
- Lower Respiratory Infections: Conditions like pneumonia are particularly dangerous for children, often exacerbated by malnutrition and poor living conditions.
- Diarrheal Diseases: Caused by contaminated food or water, these diseases lead to dehydration and can be fatal if not managed promptly with rehydration therapy.
Addressing these pervasive health challenges requires comprehensive public health interventions, including vaccination programs, improved sanitation, access to clean water, and nutritional support, in addition to strengthening primary healthcare systems.
