ABSTRACT
In developing countries infant mortality (deaths under 1 year per 1000 live births) has fallen from 124 to 59 between 1960 and 1998 (UNICEF, 2000). Neonatal mortality (deaths in first week) accounts for 40-70 per cent of all deaths under 1 year. Mortality among the under-5s (deaths under 5 years per 1000 live births) fell from 193 to 86 between 1960 and 1998 but still remains over 100 in 40 countries (Dabis et al., 2002). However, many of the gains in mortality have been offset by increased mortality from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Causes of mortality in children are outlined in Table 21.1.
