The Effectsof Maternal and Child Migration on Under-Five Mortality in Informal Settlements of Nairobi

Philippe Bocquier, University of the Witwatersrand
Donatien Beguy, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Kanyiva Muindi, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Yazoumé Yé, Independent Consultant

Between 60 and 70% of Nairobi City’s population live in congested informal settlements, commonly referred to as slums, without proper access to sanitation, clean water, health care and other social services. Children in such areas are exposed to uniquely high health hazards and most of the residents in-migrated from rural areas. In this study, we examine the impact of maternal and child migration on the survival of children in two slum settlements between July 2003 and June 2007. We used a two-stage Cox model, controlling for attrition and various factors that affect child survival. Childhood mortality in the two slums remains very high, especially among children born in the slums to new migrant mothers. While emerging evidence highlights the need to pay attention to the plight of slum dwellers in African cities, this study demonstrates the need to look at inequities in health outcomes even within the so-called ‘marginalized groups’.