Audit of Child Mortality in Mali: Case Study of Finkolo Ac/Sikasso and Massantola-Sabougou/Kolokani Rural Areas

Aim: Contribute to a reduction in child mortality (children less than 5 years of age). Materials and methods: The investigators were informed by community representatives who subsequently conducted interviews. They frequently consulted Traditional Health Practitioners and went to Community Health Centres if a patient had been treated there. A report was submitted to a technical committee each month. Results: During the 12 months of the study, 152 cases at Finkolo AC and 68 in Massantola-Sabougou were identified. Mortality peaked in September with 35% in the MassantolaSabougou area and with 16% in the Finkolo AC area. Malaria was the leading cause of death with Finkolo AC at 41% and Massantola-Sabougou at 67%. About 69% of fathers and 76% of mothers at Finkolo AC and 71% of fathers and 85% of mothers in the Massantola-Sabougou areas were illiterate. Mothers were most commonly aged between 20 and 30. Conclusion: The audit highlighted certain shortcomings. However, increasing community awareness and developing and validating traditional medicine resources could help reduce the rate of child mortality.