The paper reviews the complex relationships between migration, urbanisation and health in a global perspective,
with special focus on contemporary issues of recent migration trends and child survival in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to available data, and primarily Demographic and Health Surveys data, child mortality appears always
higher or equal in rural areas than in urban areas throughout the continent. However the relationship between urban
and rural under-five mortality is not always stable, and cases of changing trends were documented, usually with
convergence of urban and rural mortality, either by rising mortality in urban areas, or by faster decline in rural areas.
The case of the urban poor is also investigated using an innovative approach comparing wealthier and poorer
households in urban and rural areas. Cases where the urban poor have a higher under-five mortality than rural areas,
or higher than expected compared to other countries are investigated. Possible reasons for divergent patterns are
explored, in particular patterns of migration and health policies. Special attention is devoted to the role of emerging
and re-emerging diseases, in particular to HIV/AIDS, as well as emerging urban poverty. Findings are discussed in
light of historical experience, and the role of modern public health in developing countries.