Related Articles The Accelerated Child Survival and Development programme in west Africa: a retrospective evaluation.

Lancet. 2010 Jan 11;

Authors: Bryce J, Gilroy K, Jones G, Hazel E, Black RE, Victora CG


BACKGROUND: UNICEF implemented the Accelerated Child Survival and Development (ACSD) programme in 11 west African countries between 2001 and 2005 to reduce child mortality by at least 25% by the end of 2006. We undertook a retrospective evaluation of the programme in Benin, Ghana, and Mali. METHODS: We used data from Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys to compare changes in coverage for 14 ACSD interventions, nutritional status (stunting and wasting), and mortality in children younger than 5 years in the ACSD focus districts with those in the remainder of every country (comparison areas), after excluding major metropolitan areas. FINDINGS: Mortality in children younger than 5 years decreased in ACSD areas by 13% in Benin (absolute decrease 18 deaths per 1000 livebirths, p=0.12), 20% in Ghana (21 per 1000 livebirths, p=0.10), and 24% in Mali (63 per 1000 livebirths, p