Spatial analysis of childhood mortality in Mozambique

Martin Bangha, University of Pennsylvania

Mozambique features prominently among the 28 or so countries identified as currently entertaining extreme high levels of child deaths and lagging behind in the progress towards MDG 4 target. However, there is considerable dearth of knowledge on the geographic differences that explain the high levels and disparities in childhood mortality. This paper uses data from the 1997 census in conjunction with GIS to investigate the magnitude of geographic disparities in child health in Mozambique and to highlight the implication for using global level results in monitoring MDG progress. The results show wide provincial differences and even huge district level differences in childhood mortality. There is a geographic mortality gradient, with moderate levels in the Central and low levels in the South as opposed to the generally higher levels experienced in the Northern part of Mozambique. Proximity to major urban centers is apparently associated with a depressing effect on childhood mortality.