Aims: The persistent high rate of under-five (age 0-59 months) mortality in Nigeria and northern
Nigeria in particular, remains one of the most discussed topics in all population-development
spheres. The importance of spatial assessment and mapping of health data cannot be over
emphasized. The objective of the study was to identify high risk areas of under-five mortality
clustering in selected communities of Zamfara State in northern Nigeria.
Study Design: Longitudinal study of demographic data collected at the household level.
Place and Duration of Study: Nahuche Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Zamfara
State, Nigeria, between January 2011 and December 2013.
Methodology: The study identified high risk areas of under-five mortality clustering in the studyarea through collection and processing of health and demographic data (mortality and fertility) and
geographic coordinates of all compounds within a demographic surveillance system area in
northern Nigeria. The surveillance area had a population of 142, 129 as of December 2013.
Results: Under-five mortality clustering was observed in all the six districts of the surveillance area.
Two of the six districts with significant under-five mortality clustering were characterized by poor
access to health care facilities, poor sanitation and living conditions which are typical of rural and
disadvantaged northern Nigeria settings.
Conclusion: The findings call for effective health interventions to reduce the high burden of underfive
mortality in the study communities and other communities in northern Nigeria with similar
characteristics.