PriMera Scientific Surgical Research and Practice (ISSN: 2836-0028)

Comprehensive Review

Volume 8 Issue 4

Preventable Under-5 Mortality in Pekan District, Malaysia (2020-2024): A Retrospective Analysis of Determinants and Patterns

Siti Rohaya N*, Norfarihah AG and Mohd Fahmi I

October 09, 2026

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Abstract

  • Global burden: In 2021, about 5 million children under five died worldwide, with the majority from preventable causes such as infections, birth complications, and unsafe environments (UNICEF, 2023).
  • SDG Target 3.2: The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to reduce under-five mortality (U5M) to below 25 per 1,000 live births by 2030 (WHO, 2021).
  • Malaysia’s progress: The country has made notable achievements, reducing U5M to 8.3 per 1,000 live births in 2023 (DOSM, 2024). However, these national averages mask inequalities—rural and semi-urban districts still experience preventable deaths.
  • Local disparities: Districts like Pekan in Pahang face challenges due to geographic spread, limited access to healthcare, and vulnerable populations such as the Orang Asli communities.
  • Stillbirth & Under-5 Mortality Review (SU5MR): Introduced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in 2012, SU5MR identifies avoidable factors, improves health system responsiveness, and guides action plans (MOH, 2012).
  • Study importance: Analysing Pekan’s SU5MR data (2020-2024) helps uncover local risk factors and provides evidence for targeted interventions, aligning with Malaysia’s Child Health Strategic Plan 2021-2030 and SDG 3.2.

References

  1. Department of Statistics Malaysia. “Deaths: Early Childhood” (2024). https://open.dosm.gov.my/ms-MY/data-catalogue/deaths_early_childhood
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  4. “Malaysian Family Physician”. 13.3: 7-13.
  5. Ministry of Health Malaysia. “SU5MR Guidelines” (2016).
  6. Ministry of Health Malaysia (2021).
  7. Ministry of Health Malaysia. “National Immunisation Programme Annual Report” (2022).
  8. “Pelan Strategik Kesihatan Kanak-Kanak 2021-2030”.
  9. Mior Mazlan MR and Zainudin MA (2023).
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  12. WHO. “Levels and Trends in Child Mortality” (2020).
  13. WHO. “Ending Preventable Child Deaths: Global Action Plan” (2021).