Effect of information communication technology and immunization on infant mortality in Nigeria

There is an increasing need to improve health outcomes in developing countries particularly regarding infant mortality. This study examined the effect of information and communication technology (ICT) and child immunization on infant mortality in Nigeria with the view to determine the policy implications. The study utilized time series data covering 2001-2023. The research employs descriptive statistics, unit root test and Auto-Regressive Distributed lag model as its method of data analysis. Access to electricity, rural (percentage of rural population) (AEC), Fixed Broadband Subscriptions (FBS), Mobile Cellular Subscriptions (MCS), and immunization against measles (percentage of children aged 12 to 23 months) (IMM) are all positively correlated with child mortality, while Neonatal death (NND) is negatively correlated with immunization DPT (percentage of children aged 12–23 months) (IMC), Internet usage (percentage of population) (IUI), and people having access to safely managed drinking water services in urban areas (percentage of urban population) (PUSU). The results suggest that both immunization and ICT have a significant impact on child and neonatal mortality rates. The study concludes that to minimize adverse outcomes associated with child and neo-natal mortality, key stakeholders- particularly those in the ICT and health sectors, should leverage immunization and technological solutions to reach as many people as possible. Therefore, the study recommends the adoption of technology to enhance healthcare delivery and encourage the use of digital communication between citizens and medical professionals.