DIARRHOEA CAUSES INFANT MORTALITY

BOTSWANA’S data authority has indicated that the country’s major causes of infant mortality are diarrhoea, pneumonia, septicaemia, and severe protein-energy malnutrition.

Diarrhoea leads with the highest number of infant deaths, Statistics Botswana stated on Monday.

“Mortality related to diarrhoea constituted the highest proportion of infant deaths,” said StatisticianGeneral Burton Mguni.

He said pneumonia, septicaemia and severe protein-energy malnutrition resulted in fewer infant deaths. The official said the government had embarked on a number of programmes to promote the health and survival of the mother and child.

“These include the ‘Accelerated Child Survival and Development Programme’, a robust immunisation programme and periodic prevention campaigns.”