Levels, trends and causes of mortality in children below 5 years of age in Bangladesh : findings from a national survey

Abstract

A nationwide survey, conducted in 1992-93 by the Control of Diarrhoeal Disease Programme, Government of Bangladesh, made national estimates of levels and causes of child mortality. A gradual downward trend in infant and child mortality was observed from the mid 1980s. Current mortality rates among infants and children below 5 years were estimated to be around 100 and 150 per 1,000 live births respectively. More than a quarter of deaths in children below 5 years were found to be associated with diarrhoea. Acute respiratory tract infections were also shown to be a major killer of young children