Socioeconomic Inequalities in Child Mortality in Three Rural Tanzanian Districts

Malick Kante, Columbia University
Honorati Masanja, Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre
Mrema Sigilbert, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)
Amri Shamte, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)
Rose Nathan, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)

This study aims to explore under-five mortality rates (U5MR) in three rural districts of Tanzania (Rufiji, Kilombero and Ulanga) in terms of levels and trends as well as the gaps in U5MR across the range of socioeconomic status (SES). This paper uses unique longitudinal data to test whether changes in SES contributed to the rapid decline in under-five mortality recently observed in Tanzania. Data on births, deaths, household socioeconomic characteristics and migrations have been recorded every 120 days since 2000 (n˜200,000). SES was measured using principal component analysis. Initial results indicate that from 2000 to 2010, child mortality declined by 40% (from 130 to 80 per 1000). However, children belonging to rich households were more likely to enjoy lower death rates than their counterparts in poorer households. Untimely deaths need to be reduced particularly children belonging to poor households.