Survey On Children and Women: Drop In Neo-natal Deaths

The 2014-2015 report was presented to government officials on December 12, 2016 in Yaounde.  

Results of the 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS4) carried out by the National Institute of Statistics in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health were presented to the public on Monday, December 12, 2016 during which it was revealed that neo-natal mortality has dropped although malnutrition is still a favourable constant factor.

The Minister of Public Health, André Mama Fouda said the survey which received technical support from the United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union is an eye opener through data which will be used in policies and programmes, and to monitor progress towards national goals stated in the Growth and Employment Strategy Paper (GESP) and Health Sector Strategy Paper (HSSP). Information from MICS4 indicates that although neo-natal deaths had dropped, infant mortality (below 5 years) is still a preoccupying issue in Cameroon (3 deaths per 1000 newborn) with the North Region most affected (164.5 in 1000), followed by the Far North (132 in 1000) and the Adamawa (118.2 in 1000).

The survey reiterated the fact that in spite of government efforts, the eradication of hunger has not been met for stunting amongst children under five remains dominant in Cameroon, particularly in the northern regions where barely a quarter of children receive minimum acceptable diet. It was stressed that exclusive breastfeeding of children under six months is a key measure to prevent malnutrition. Unfortunately, health experts underlined that increasing this practice is a challenge for the wellbeing of nursing...