Positive developments have been noted in infant mortality in Senegal, according to the results of the Continuous Demographic and Health Survey (Eds-Continue) released yesterday by the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (Ansd).

Yesterday, the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (Ansd) presented the results of the Continuous Demographic and Health Survey (Eds-continue) carried out in 2023. Positive developments » were noted in terms of infant mortality. « We have very favourable trends. For example, in 2005, the mortality rate for children under 5 was already 121 deaths per thousand children. In 2023, the results of the survey show that we are now at 40 deaths per thousand children. This attests to the efforts that have been made, but it also shows that there is still work to be done to reduce this rate », says Abdou Diouf, Director General of the Ansd. In the « area of mother and child health », according to the Ansd document, « indicator levels on prenatal and postnatal care » remain high and stable since 2012. « Indeed, the majority of women who had a live birth received prenatal and postnatal care from a qualified provider (97%). Similarly, for just over nine out of ten (92%), the birth took place in a health facility, and in 83% of cases, postnatal care was received within the first two days after delivery, » details the Ansd. « Furthermore, the proportion of women having made at least four prenatal visits has risen steadily, varying from 47% in 2012-2013 to 68% in 2023, » stated the document.

In terms of female fertility, there is a slight difference when comparing the results for 2005 and 2023. « Also in terms of demographics, in 2005, for women at the end of their childbearing years, the average was 5 children per woman. The results of the 2023 demographic survey bring us back to 4 children per woman. This, too, is information that can be useful for population-related policies », says the Ansd’s new CEO. Returning to the scope of the demographic survey carried out in 2023, Abdou Diouf explains that its purpose is « to collect a set of health indicators, mainly maternal, infant and child health, but also demographic indicators, in order to analyse their evolution ». The survey, which tracks the impact of national and international programs implemented in the country, has been carried out in Senegal since 1986. It is now in its 13th year.

Senegal’s Eds-Continue 2023 was implemented by Ansd, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Action. It was carried out with the financial and technical support of the Senegalese government, Usaid, Unfpa, Unicef, the World Bank, Pipadhs and Ismea, among others. The last Demographic and Health Survey was carried out in 2019.

By Amadou MBODJI / ambodji@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH