This table is drawn from a recent study looking at the fall of mortality in Kenya. It points to a general trend: across Africa, more children are surviving.
| Previous studies (1998-2007) | Most recent study (2005-2009) | |
| Benin | 160 (2001) | 125 (2006) |
| Ethiopia | 166 (2000) | 124 (2005) |
| Ghana | 111 (2003) | 80 (2008) |
| Kenya | 115 (2003) | 74 (2009) |
| Liberia | 110 (2007) | 114 (2009) |
| Madagascar | 94 (2004) | 72 (2009) |
| Mali | 229 (2001) | 191 (2006) |
| Namibia | 62 (2000) | 69 (2007) |
| Niger | 274 (1998) | 198 (2006) |
| Nigeria | 201 (2003) | 157 (2008) |
| Rwanda | 152 (2005) | 103 (2008) |
| Senegal | 121 (2005) | 85 (2009) |
| Tanzania | 147 (1999) | 112 (2005) |
| Uganda | 152 (2001) | 128 (2006) |
| Zambia | 168 (2002) | 119 (2007) |
| Zimbabwe | 102 (1999) | 83 (2006) |
Stephen Radelet, in Emerging Africa?, claims that the factors behind this improvement are
- “more democratic and accountable governments
- more sensible economic policies,
- the end of the debt crisis and major changes in relationships with the international community
- new technologies that are creating new opportunities for business and political accountability, and
- a new generation of policymakers, activists, and business leaders.”
There are problems – such as the recent (hopefully short term) increase in mortality in Liberia. But the trend is clear, and it is very good news indeed – especially for those who are concerned about population increase, because there is a clear and strong association between infant survival and the number of children a woman must have.