Causes of Morbidity and Mortality in Children Under Five Years: Experiences of Nurses in Burundi

Child morbidity and mortality remain significant public health challenges globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The main objective of this study was to describe the causes of child morbidity and mortality, explore strategies for their reduction, and examine nurses’ experiences and perspectives regarding child deaths. This descriptive and qualitative study involved individual interviews conducted online via Zoom with 15 nurses in Burundi. We consolidated our findings into two themes: factors contributing to child morbidity and mortality, and potential solutions for reducing child mortality. The data revealed that infectious diseases and malnutrition are the primary causes of child morbidity and mortality. Contributing factors include poverty, limited access to healthcare services, malnutrition, and poor sanitation. Effective interventions to reduce child mortality rates include immunisation programmes, maternal and child healthcare services, improved nutrition, enhanced sanitation facilities, and educational initiatives. To prevent child deaths, the following are recommended: comprehensive healthcare services, ongoing education for healthcare providers, and institutional support for health education.