Spatial analysis of under-five mortality clustering in Northern Nigeria: findings from Nahuche Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Zamfara State

Olatunji Alabi, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
David Baloye, Obafemi Awolowo University
Amos O. Oyedokun, Obafemi Awolowo University
Henry V. Doctor, World Health Organization (WHO) EMRO

As the Millennium Development Goals deadline of 2015 approaches, under-five mortality remains unacceptably high in Nigeria and northern Nigeria in particular. The importance of spatial assessment to health analysis and planning cannot be over emphasized. The study assesses the extent of under-five mortality clustering using data from six districts making up the Nahuche Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in Zamfara State of northwest Nigeria. The surveillance area had a population of 142,127 as of December 2013. Preliminary results show that under-five mortality clustering tends to be much pronounced in two of the six districts of the HDSS. We discuss the results and provide recommendations within the context of the existing challenges and opportunities to improve child health in Nigeria and Zamfara State in particular.