Child mortality is a prevalent problem in Africa where, in most countries, more than 100 children out of a thousand die before their first birthday. In Mali where our project started, 1 child out of 5 does not reach the age of 5.

This is not due to major epidemics but, in 70 % of cases, to diseases that can very easily be treated if detected early enough. It’s an aberration as affordable treatment and staff qualified to treat those diseases are available locally.

More than 50% of child mortality in Africa is preventable.

Malaria, pneumonia and diarrheal diseases together account for 55% of children deaths in Africa (60% in Mali). Those benign infectious diseases are highly and quickly lethal when children are less than one year old. Indirect causes also heavily contribute to mortality.
Malnutrition is responsible for 51% of deaths and is known to be a triggering or a worsening factor for other infectious diseases.

55% of children’s mortality causes can be detected easily by checking periodically basic symptoms, in particular the evolution of their weight, which is known to be an accurate indicator of young children’s health status.

>> Why this situation?