Leading Causes of Under-Five Mortality in Tanzania

Top Causes of Child Deaths in Tanzania

1. Neonatal Conditions: Prematurity, low birth weight, birth asphyxia, sepsis (first 28 days).
2. Pneumonia: Leading infectious killer; bacterial/viral/fungal lung infection.
3. Diarrhoea: Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance from intestinal infections.
4. Malaria: Mosquito-borne Plasmodium parasite; endemic in many regions.
5. HIV/AIDS: Mother-to-child transmission; weakened immunity increases vulnerability.
6. Malnutrition: Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies underlie many deaths.
7. Other: Injuries, congenital anomalies, limited healthcare access.

Integrated interventions (vaccination, nutrition, clean water, antenatal care) are critical to reducing under-five mortality.