Sahel Medical Journal (Jan 2011)
Neonatal tetanus: A large epidemiological review in Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Neonatal tetanus (NNT) is a leading cause of neonatal deaths in the developing countries; including Nigeria. Methods: A seven year (2003-2009) retrospective study of routine surveillance data on NNT cases. NNT notifications to the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Demographic Health Survey report of 200& were the data sources. Results: A total of 6,288 NNT cases were reported with 753 deaths, giving an overall 12% case fatality rate (CFR). Most cases, 3,368(54%), occurred in 2005 and 2006 alone but the highest CFR of 98 (24.9%) anc lowest CFR of 143 (8.3%) were in 2009 and 2006 respectively. Proportion of notified cases of 3,42ͳ (54.5%) from south Nigeria was higher than 2,859 (45.5%) from the north. Contrarily, the CFR of 40b. (54.2%) in north Nigeria was higher than the 345 (45.8%) in south. Similarly, all indices for prevention oi NNT were lower in the northern regions when compared to the south: proportion of antenatal care offeree by skilled providers:.65% versus 87%; protection against NNT in the last childbirth: 49% versus 81%; deliveries in a health facility: 41% versus 74%; pregnant women delivered by skilled providers: 43% versus-82%. Conclusion: NNT constitutes a major threat to child survival and utilization of its preventive services may, be poorer in northern Nigeria.
