Further Mortality declines in kenya:

Abstract

There is no doubt the Kenya has experienced rapid mortality decline over the past twenty years. This is especially so regarding infant and child mortality. Infant mortality has declined from an estimated 180 births per 1000 births in 1948 to 60 births per 1000 births in 1993~ Yet it is true that compared to the developed countries, this level of mortality is still high. This article looks at factors underlying this decline. They include provision of health services, public education 'and related programmes. Evidence that there is deceleration in mortality decline is also examined. This is especially so in the wake of several phenomena such as, HIV/AIDS pandemic; increased resistance of disease causing viruses to available vaccines; tuberculosis; the effects of structural adjustment programmes on family welfare, individuals and national economies and increased poverty. However for further mortality declines to occur, the critical issues to be addressed in light of the Cairo and Beijing recommendations are examined. These include affordable and accessible medical services, child/maternal health services, women empower¬ment in decision making, provision of family planning services to youth, health education and proper management of limited resources.