Analysis Of The Rate Of Infant Mortality From One Month To One Year

ANALYSIS OF THE RATE OF INFANT MORTALITY FROM ONE MONTH TO ONE YEAR

ABSTRACT

The high rate of infant deaths in Nigeria continues to draw serious attention from citizens and health authorities. The survival of children determines the strength and continuity of any nation, as they represent the future generation. Infant mortality has great demographic importance, serving as an indicator of a country’s health and social progress. In Nigeria, the government, through the Ministry of Health, has implemented several measures to reduce infant deaths. These include the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT), which help prevent and manage diseases such as measles, tetanus, poliomyelitis, and diarrhea. Despite these efforts, infant mortality remains a major challenge. This research analyzes data collected from Park-Lane General Hospital, Enugu, to determine patterns in infant deaths and suggest effective preventive measures.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Infant mortality refers to the death of children before their first birthday. In Nigeria, it is mostly caused by diseases that thrive due to poor sanitation, inadequate nutrition, and limited healthcare awareness. Each year, thousands of children die from preventable diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, and tuberculosis. According to the Federal Ministry of Health (1981), many of these deaths result from poor immunization coverage and low parental awareness.

The health and development of children are influenced by many factors, including hygiene, nutrition, and access to healthcare. Unfortunately, many parents do not understand what constitutes a balanced diet for their children. As a result, some children become malnourished and are more vulnerable to infections. Illiteracy and ignorance make the situation worse, especially in rural areas where many parents neglect preventive healthcare programs.

1.1 GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO REDUCE INFANT MORTALITY

The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Health, introduced the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to combat the six major childhood killer diseases. In addition, the Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) program teaches parents how to prepare and administer salt-sugar solutions to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.

Although Nigeria has been declared free of smallpox, continuous surveillance is maintained to prevent its return. The government deserves commendation for these initiatives and for promoting public awareness campaigns. However, there is still a need for better education of parents on environmental hygiene, child nutrition, and the importance of immunization. These measures can significantly reduce infant deaths in the country.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Despite many government efforts, infant mortality remains high in many parts of Nigeria. Poor maternal education, inadequate healthcare services, and low awareness of immunization programs contribute to the problem. This study seeks to analyze the current rate of infant mortality and identify the key factors influencing it.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The aims and objectives of this research are as follows:

1. To determine the ratio of male to female deaths among infants less than one year old.

2. To find out whether the infant mortality rate exceeds the standard range of 10–55 deaths per 1,000 live births.

3. To determine whether infant mortality is independent of a child’s sex.

4. To compare the mean mortality rates of male and female infants.

5. To suggest effective preventive measures to reduce the number of infant deaths.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is important because it helps health planners and policymakers understand the true situation of infant mortality in Nigeria. The findings can guide the development of new programs to reduce infant deaths. It also helps educate parents on how their actions—especially in nutrition, hygiene, and healthcare—affect their children’s survival.

1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on infants aged one month to one year in Enugu State, using data from Park-Lane General Hospital. Due to time and resource limitations, the study may not cover all hospitals in the region. However, the findings will provide a useful insight into the general pattern of infant mortality in Nigeria.

1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Infant Mortality: Death of a child before reaching one year of age.

• Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI): A government program that provides vaccines to prevent childhood diseases.

• Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT): A simple treatment involving salt and sugar solution to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.

• Malnutrition: A condition resulting from inadequate or unbalanced nutrition.