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Under 5 Child Mortality in Niger, West Africa

Tangible data visualization is a technique that help very simply represent data and make an inpact on all viewers. In this project I research and showcase my fingings on the topic.for representing data very simply and making an impact on viewers. For this project, I researched and showcased my findings

Niger vs the World

Global Progress in Child Mortality Under Five in 1990 vs. 2020

The global count of under-5 deaths has significantly decreased, plummeting from 12.8 million in 1990 to 5.5 million in 2020, according to World Health Organization (WHO). Over this period, the global under-5 mortality rate has witnessed a remarkable decline of 59%, going from 93 deaths per 1000 live births in 1990 to 38 in the year 2021.

This decline is attributed to global efforts to improve child health and well-being, such as widespread vaccination campaigns, maternal and child healthcare programs, and education on proper nutrition and hygiene.

Global Progress in Child Mortality Under Five in 1990 vs. 2020

The global count of under-5 deaths has significantly decreased, plummeting from 12.8 million in 1990 to 5.5 million in 2020, according to World Health Organization (WHO). Over this period, the global under-5 mortality rate has witnessed a remarkable decline of 59%, going from 93 deaths per 1000 live births in 1990 to 38 in the year 2021.

This decline is attributed to global efforts to improve child health and well-being, such as widespread vaccination campaigns, maternal and child healthcare programs, and education on proper nutrition and hygiene.

Global Progress in Child Mortality Under Five in 1990 vs. 2020

The global count of under-5 deaths has significantly decreased, plummeting from 12.8 million in 1990 to 5.5 million in 2020, according to World Health Organization (WHO). Over this period, the global under-5 mortality rate has witnessed a remarkable decline of 59%, going from 93 deaths per 1000 live births in 1990 to 38 in the year 2021.

This decline is attributed to global efforts to improve child health and well-being, such as widespread vaccination campaigns, maternal and child healthcare programs, and education on proper nutrition and hygiene.

Comparing Global and Niger Child Under 5 Mortality in 2020

Despite improvement from 1990, the epicenter of child mortality is Niger, West Africa. The rates are still critical and are the highest in the world. On average out of every 1000 live births, 38 children die before age of 5 worldwide. This number more than triples in Niger, West Africa and is reaching 117 children.child healthcare programs, and education on proper nutrition and hygiene.

Comparing Global and Niger Child Under 5 Mortality in 2020

Despite improvement from 1990, the epicenter of child mortality is Niger, West Africa. The rates are still critical and are the highest in the world. On average out of every 1000 live births, 38 children die before age of 5 worldwide. This number more than triples in Niger, West Africa and is reaching 117 children.child healthcare programs, and education on proper nutrition and hygiene.

Comparing Global and Niger Child Under 5 Mortality in 2020

Despite improvement from 1990, the epicenter of child mortality is Niger, West Africa. The rates are still critical and are the highest in the world. On average out of every 1000 live births, 38 children die before age of 5 worldwide. This number more than triples in Niger, West Africa and is reaching 117 children.child healthcare programs, and education on proper nutrition and hygiene.

Chilren under 5 death per 1000 birth globaly vs in niger

Child mortality has significantly decreased but is still the worst in the world.

Impact of Non-Infectious Factors on Childhood Susceptibility to Infections

While 5% of children under 5 succumb to non-infectious diseases, a significant 95% face the tragic consequences of infectious ailments. Intriguingly, it is important to note that non-infectious causes, such as malnutrition and injury, while seemingly distinct, can paradoxically act as precipitating factors for susceptibility to infections.

The interplay between these seemingly separate categories elucidates a complex relationship wherein non-infectious factors can weaken the body's defenses and pave the way for infections to take hold. Thus, malnutrition, for instance, compromises the immune system's resilience, rendering children more susceptible to communicable diseases that might otherwise be manageable

Impact of Non-Infectious Factors on Childhood Susceptibility to Infections

While 5% of children under 5 succumb to non-infectious diseases, a significant 95% face the tragic consequences of infectious ailments. Intriguingly, it is important to note that non-infectious causes, such as malnutrition and injury, while seemingly distinct, can paradoxically act as precipitating factors for susceptibility to infections.

The interplay between these seemingly separate categories elucidates a complex relationship wherein non-infectious factors can weaken the body's defenses and pave the way for infections to take hold. Thus, malnutrition, for instance, compromises the immune system's resilience, rendering children more susceptible to communicable diseases that might otherwise be manageable

Impact of Non-Infectious Factors on Childhood Susceptibility to Infections

While 5% of children under 5 succumb to non-infectious diseases, a significant 95% face the tragic consequences of infectious ailments. Intriguingly, it is important to note that non-infectious causes, such as malnutrition and injury, while seemingly distinct, can paradoxically act as precipitating factors for susceptibility to infections.

The interplay between these seemingly separate categories elucidates a complex relationship wherein non-infectious factors can weaken the body's defenses and pave the way for infections to take hold. Thus, malnutrition, for instance, compromises the immune system's resilience, rendering children more susceptible to communicable diseases that might otherwise be manageable

Infectious vs non - infectious causes of child's mortality

Malnutrition

Malnutrition: Leading Non-Infectious Cause of Child Mortality in Niger

The biggest contributor to child’s death from non-infectious factors is malnutrition. Chronic, acute malnutrition and micronutrients deficiency can lead to irreversible growth and cognitive impairments, a low weight for their height, an increased vulnerability to infections, iron deficiency anemia and vitamin A deficiency. Poverty, agricultural challenges and lack of education on feeding practices result in such a high level of malnutrition in Niger.

Malnutrition: Leading Non-Infectious Cause of Child Mortality in Niger

The biggest contributor to child’s death from non-infectious factors is malnutrition. Chronic, acute malnutrition and micronutrients deficiency can lead to irreversible growth and cognitive impairments, a low weight for their height, an increased vulnerability to infections, iron deficiency anemia and vitamin A deficiency. Poverty, agricultural challenges and lack of education on feeding practices result in such a high level of malnutrition in Niger.

Malnutrition: Leading Non-Infectious Cause of Child Mortality in Niger

The biggest contributor to child’s death from non-infectious factors is malnutrition. Chronic, acute malnutrition and micronutrients deficiency can lead to irreversible growth and cognitive impairments, a low weight for their height, an increased vulnerability to infections, iron deficiency anemia and vitamin A deficiency. Poverty, agricultural challenges and lack of education on feeding practices result in such a high level of malnutrition in Niger.

non - infectious desease that contribute to child's mortality

Children’s diet In Niger is driving malnutrition, which is a leading cause of death in children.

Infectious Diseases that Drive High Mortality

Data Insight

Out of infectious diseases Malaria is the leading cause of death in young children. Malaria is common in Niger because of the climate, which is habitable for the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, the species that is most likely to cause severe malaria and death. The parasite is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.

​Pneumonia affects Niger due to child malnutrition (66%), indoor air pollution from solid fuels (46%), and lack of access to handwashing facilities (21%)

Diarrhea is more prevalent in developing countries due to a lack of safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene

Data Insight

Out of infectious diseases Malaria is the leading cause of death in young children. Malaria is common in Niger because of the climate, which is habitable for the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, the species that is most likely to cause severe malaria and death. The parasite is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.

​Pneumonia affects Niger due to child malnutrition (66%), indoor air pollution from solid fuels (46%), and lack of access to handwashing facilities (21%)

Diarrhea is more prevalent in developing countries due to a lack of safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene

Data Insight

Out of infectious diseases Malaria is the leading cause of death in young children. Malaria is common in Niger because of the climate, which is habitable for the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, the species that is most likely to cause severe malaria and death. The parasite is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.

​Pneumonia affects Niger due to child malnutrition (66%), indoor air pollution from solid fuels (46%), and lack of access to handwashing facilities (21%)

Diarrhea is more prevalent in developing countries due to a lack of safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene

Malaria, common in Niger due to climate, is the main infectious cause of child's death.

infectious desease that contribute to child's mortality

Children’s Diet In Niger

Children’s Diet In Niger

Typical Diet

Niger's dietary landscape is centered around staple foods like millet, rice, grains, root vegetables, and beans. However, the challenge of limited access to clean water looms large, impacting both food preparation and consumption. While grains, root vegetables, and goat's milk offer valuable nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins, the relatively narrow range of available foods, coupled with insufficient quantities, creates a nutritional shortfall of mentioned food sources.

Typical Diet

Niger's dietary landscape is centered around staple foods like millet, rice, grains, root vegetables, and beans. However, the challenge of limited access to clean water looms large, impacting both food preparation and consumption. While grains, root vegetables, and goat's milk offer valuable nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins, the relatively narrow range of available foods, coupled with insufficient quantities, creates a nutritional shortfall of mentioned food sources.

Typical Diet

Niger's dietary landscape is centered around staple foods like millet, rice, grains, root vegetables, and beans. However, the challenge of limited access to clean water looms large, impacting both food preparation and consumption. While grains, root vegetables, and goat's milk offer valuable nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins, the relatively narrow range of available foods, coupled with insufficient quantities, creates a nutritional shortfall of mentioned food sources.

Missing from Niger's Diet Nutrients

Missing from Niger's Diet Nutrients

Missing Nutrients

While domestic animals are present, their use as a meat source is often avoided due to the trade-off it presents: sacrificing meat for milk. This careful equilibrium is a response to the challenging climate—characterized by aridness and heat—which hampers the cultivation of a diverse food range. Within this context, vital nutrients like iron, Vitamin A, zinc, iodine, folate, Vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids frequently fall short in diets. This intricate interplay of dietary practices, environmental conditions, and resource limitations underscores the multifaceted challenge of addressing malnutrition in Niger.

Missing Nutrients

While domestic animals are present, their use as a meat source is often avoided due to the trade-off it presents: sacrificing meat for milk. This careful equilibrium is a response to the challenging climate—characterized by aridness and heat—which hampers the cultivation of a diverse food range. Within this context, vital nutrients like iron, Vitamin A, zinc, iodine, folate, Vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids frequently fall short in diets. This intricate interplay of dietary practices, environmental conditions, and resource limitations underscores the multifaceted challenge of addressing malnutrition in Niger.

Missing Nutrients

While domestic animals are present, their use as a meat source is often avoided due to the trade-off it presents: sacrificing meat for milk. This careful equilibrium is a response to the challenging climate—characterized by aridness and heat—which hampers the cultivation of a diverse food range. Within this context, vital nutrients like iron, Vitamin A, zinc, iodine, folate, Vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids frequently fall short in diets. This intricate interplay of dietary practices, environmental conditions, and resource limitations underscores the multifaceted challenge of addressing malnutrition in Niger.

Desease Prevention and Treatment

Practical Healthcare Solutions

Navigating this intricate landscape demands a highly cohesive approach—one that resonates through the corridors of Niger's government financial allocation, nutritional education initiatives, and the accessibility of improved healthcare services.

Amidst this complexity, there are avenues to address mortality rates through practical and resourceful means. By incorporating basic medical care, leveraging low-cost technologies, and ensuring access to fundamental hygiene products, a significant impact can be achieved without the necessity of protracted timelines for governmental or societal shifts. Crucially, this pragmatic strategy circumvents lengthy waits for systemic changes and can be facilitated with a reasonable allocation of global resources. It is much less expensive to prevent the disease than to heal it.
Diarrhea is more prevalent in developing countries due to a lack of safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Practical Healthcare Solutions

Navigating this intricate landscape demands a highly cohesive approach—one that resonates through the corridors of Niger's government financial allocation, nutritional education initiatives, and the accessibility of improved healthcare services.

Amidst this complexity, there are avenues to address mortality rates through practical and resourceful means. By incorporating basic medical care, leveraging low-cost technologies, and ensuring access to fundamental hygiene products, a significant impact can be achieved without the necessity of protracted timelines for governmental or societal shifts. Crucially, this pragmatic strategy circumvents lengthy waits for systemic changes and can be facilitated with a reasonable allocation of global resources. It is much less expensive to prevent the disease than to heal it.
Diarrhea is more prevalent in developing countries due to a lack of safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Practical Healthcare Solutions

Navigating this intricate landscape demands a highly cohesive approach—one that resonates through the corridors of Niger's government financial allocation, nutritional education initiatives, and the accessibility of improved healthcare services.

Amidst this complexity, there are avenues to address mortality rates through practical and resourceful means. By incorporating basic medical care, leveraging low-cost technologies, and ensuring access to fundamental hygiene products, a significant impact can be achieved without the necessity of protracted timelines for governmental or societal shifts. Crucially, this pragmatic strategy circumvents lengthy waits for systemic changes and can be facilitated with a reasonable allocation of global resources. It is much less expensive to prevent the disease than to heal it.
Diarrhea is more prevalent in developing countries due to a lack of safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Every 10th child fails to reach age 5 due to largely preventable causes

visual representation of child's mortality levels in Niger

Additional Contributing Factors

Maternal and child health challenges in Niger

Niger holds the distinction of being the world's most fertile nation. The average age for a woman's first childbirth stands at 19, marking an increase from 1990. The practice of initiating families as early as 15 years old is widespread. In a society where polygamy is legally accepted and gender equality remains a challenge, the implications on maternal and child health are noteworthy. The repercussions of early pregnancies compounded by frequent childbirths expose both mother and child to elevated stress levels, which can have severe health consequences. Interestingly, initial-born children often exhibit better health compared to their subsequent siblings, potentially due to the mother's inability to fully recuperate post-pregnancy. A parallel issue is lack of exclusive breastfeeding. According to UNICEF (2021), only 29% of children younger than six months are exclusively breastfed, which falls below the recommended six months. The celebration of larger families, intertwined with limited access to contraceptives and children's early involvement in familial duties, stretches already scarce resources, exacerbating the challenges facing the nation.


Furthermore, a significant contributor to high mortality rates in Niger lies in the prevalence of spiritual beliefs in non-traditional medicine and healers. Many individuals resort to unproven and untested methods as a first line of treatment for their children, delaying seeking medical attention until these alternatives prove ineffective. Tragically, this often results in crucial medical intervention being sought only when it's too late to salvage the child's life, compounding the issue of preventable deaths.

Maternal and child health challenges in Niger

Niger holds the distinction of being the world's most fertile nation. The average age for a woman's first childbirth stands at 19, marking an increase from 1990. The practice of initiating families as early as 15 years old is widespread. In a society where polygamy is legally accepted and gender equality remains a challenge, the implications on maternal and child health are noteworthy. The repercussions of early pregnancies compounded by frequent childbirths expose both mother and child to elevated stress levels, which can have severe health consequences. Interestingly, initial-born children often exhibit better health compared to their subsequent siblings, potentially due to the mother's inability to fully recuperate post-pregnancy. A parallel issue is lack of exclusive breastfeeding. According to UNICEF (2021), only 29% of children younger than six months are exclusively breastfed, which falls below the recommended six months. The celebration of larger families, intertwined with limited access to contraceptives and children's early involvement in familial duties, stretches already scarce resources, exacerbating the challenges facing the nation.


Furthermore, a significant contributor to high mortality rates in Niger lies in the prevalence of spiritual beliefs in non-traditional medicine and healers. Many individuals resort to unproven and untested methods as a first line of treatment for their children, delaying seeking medical attention until these alternatives prove ineffective. Tragically, this often results in crucial medical intervention being sought only when it's too late to salvage the child's life, compounding the issue of preventable deaths.

Maternal and child health challenges in Niger

Niger holds the distinction of being the world's most fertile nation. The average age for a woman's first childbirth stands at 19, marking an increase from 1990. The practice of initiating families as early as 15 years old is widespread. In a society where polygamy is legally accepted and gender equality remains a challenge, the implications on maternal and child health are noteworthy. The repercussions of early pregnancies compounded by frequent childbirths expose both mother and child to elevated stress levels, which can have severe health consequences. Interestingly, initial-born children often exhibit better health compared to their subsequent siblings, potentially due to the mother's inability to fully recuperate post-pregnancy. A parallel issue is lack of exclusive breastfeeding. According to UNICEF (2021), only 29% of children younger than six months are exclusively breastfed, which falls below the recommended six months. The celebration of larger families, intertwined with limited access to contraceptives and children's early involvement in familial duties, stretches already scarce resources, exacerbating the challenges facing the nation.


Furthermore, a significant contributor to high mortality rates in Niger lies in the prevalence of spiritual beliefs in non-traditional medicine and healers. Many individuals resort to unproven and untested methods as a first line of treatment for their children, delaying seeking medical attention until these alternatives prove ineffective. Tragically, this often results in crucial medical intervention being sought only when it's too late to salvage the child's life, compounding the issue of preventable deaths.

Culture and mentality is a contributor to high child mortality

Collective Efforts to Reduce Child Mortality in Niger

Global efforts brings Niger closer to desired result and have shown a significant improvement over the years. Organizations like UNICEF, WHO, Save the Children and others employ a combination of strategies, including healthcare provision, education, community engagement, policy advocacy, and capacity building, to address the complex challenges contributing to child mortality in Niger. Collaborative efforts between these organizations, the government of Niger, and local communities are essential to making sustainable progress in reducing child mortality rates.

Global efforts brings Niger closer to desired result and have shown a significant improvement over the years. Organizations like UNICEF, WHO, Save the Children and others employ a combination of strategies, including healthcare provision, education, community engagement, policy advocacy, and capacity building, to address the complex challenges contributing to child mortality in Niger. Collaborative efforts between these organizations, the government of Niger, and local communities are essential to making sustainable progress in reducing child mortality rates.

Global efforts brings Niger closer to desired result and have shown a significant improvement over the years. Organizations like UNICEF, WHO, Save the Children and others employ a combination of strategies, including healthcare provision, education, community engagement, policy advocacy, and capacity building, to address the complex challenges contributing to child mortality in Niger. Collaborative efforts between these organizations, the government of Niger, and local communities are essential to making sustainable progress in reducing child mortality rates.

What can YOU do to help?

Donate Necessities

Donate Money

Consider donating to reputable organizations that are actively working to reduce child mortality in Niger. Your financial support can go a long way in funding essential healthcare services, vaccination campaigns, nutrition programs, and more. A lot of government and non-profit organization can function and help those in need almost exclusively due to people donating.

Donate Money

Consider donating to reputable organizations that are actively working to reduce child mortality in Niger. Your financial support can go a long way in funding essential healthcare services, vaccination campaigns, nutrition programs, and more. A lot of government and non-profit organization can function and help those in need almost exclusively due to people donating.

Donate Money

Consider donating to reputable organizations that are actively working to reduce child mortality in Niger. Your financial support can go a long way in funding essential healthcare services, vaccination campaigns, nutrition programs, and more. A lot of government and non-profit organization can function and help those in need almost exclusively due to people donating.

Donate Supplies

Some organizations may have specific needs for medical supplies, hygiene products, and other essentials. Children may need school supplies and clothes. Reach out to those organization to see if you can contribute in-kind donations.

Donate Supplies

Some organizations may have specific needs for medical supplies, hygiene products, and other essentials. Children may need school supplies and clothes. Reach out to those organization to see if you can contribute in-kind donations.

Donate Supplies

Some organizations may have specific needs for medical supplies, hygiene products, and other essentials. Children may need school supplies and clothes. Reach out to those organization to see if you can contribute in-kind donations.

Support Mothers and Children

Some organizations may have specific needs for medical supplies, hygiene products, and other essentials. Children may need school supplies and clothes. Reach out to those organization to see if you can contribute in-kind donations.

Support Mothers and Children

Some organizations may have specific needs for medical supplies, hygiene products, and other essentials. Children may need school supplies and clothes. Reach out to those organization to see if you can contribute in-kind donations.

Support Mothers and Children

Some organizations may have specific needs for medical supplies, hygiene products, and other essentials. Children may need school supplies and clothes. Reach out to those organization to see if you can contribute in-kind donations.

Donate Time

Raise Awareness

Use your voice to raise awareness about child mortality in Niger. Share information on social media, blogs, or other platforms to educate others about the challenges faced by children in the region.

Raise Awareness

Use your voice to raise awareness about child mortality in Niger. Share information on social media, blogs, or other platforms to educate others about the challenges faced by children in the region.

Raise Awareness

Use your voice to raise awareness about child mortality in Niger. Share information on social media, blogs, or other platforms to educate others about the challenges faced by children in the region.

Advocate for Change

Contact your local representatives, government officials, and international organizations to advocate for increased funding and attention towards child health initiatives in Niger. Encourage policies that prioritize healthcare access, nutrition, and education.

Advocate for Change

Contact your local representatives, government officials, and international organizations to advocate for increased funding and attention towards child health initiatives in Niger. Encourage policies that prioritize healthcare access, nutrition, and education.

Advocate for Change

Contact your local representatives, government officials, and international organizations to advocate for increased funding and attention towards child health initiatives in Niger. Encourage policies that prioritize healthcare access, nutrition, and education.

Fundraising Events

Organize fundraising events in your community, school, or workplace to collect donations for organizations working in Niger. This could include charity runs, bake sales, or awareness campaigns.

Fundraising Events

Organize fundraising events in your community, school, or workplace to collect donations for organizations working in Niger. This could include charity runs, bake sales, or awareness campaigns.

Fundraising Events

Organize fundraising events in your community, school, or workplace to collect donations for organizations working in Niger. This could include charity runs, bake sales, or awareness campaigns.

Volunteer

If you have the opportunity, consider volunteering with organizations that have projects in Niger. Your time and expertise can contribute to the success of their initiatives on the ground.

Volunteer

If you have the opportunity, consider volunteering with organizations that have projects in Niger. Your time and expertise can contribute to the success of their initiatives on the ground.

Volunteer

If you have the opportunity, consider volunteering with organizations that have projects in Niger. Your time and expertise can contribute to the success of their initiatives on the ground.

© 2019 Natalya Franchi

© 2019 Natalya Franchi

Considering Donating?

If you would like to make a donation, please click on the links below to visit the websites of the relevant organizations. Thank you for considering a donation.

$50

Can provide enough food to keep 3 children from going hungry for a month

$100

Can wrap 30 warm, cozy blankets around children affected by conflict

$300

Can provide a month’s worth of water to 20 children

Every Day Counts and Every Dollar Matters

Every Day Counts and Every Dollar Matters

Every Day Counts and Every Dollar Matters

While global efforts do yield results, timing is of the essence. Preventing a disaster is far more manageable than dealing with its aftermath. Your support can significantly expedite the progress towards reducing child mortality in Niger.

Every day counts, and every contribution matters. Join us in making a difference in the lives of these wonderful children. Together, we can bring about positive change and shape a better world.

46 M invested in Niger by UNICEF
12 M invested in Niger by WHO

© 2019 Natalya Franchi

© 2019 Natalya Franchi