Impact of malaria control on infant mortality in Senegal

In this study I analyze the impact of recent and major improvements in malaria control policies on infant mortality in Senegal. Though there exist many randomized studies, the potential health gains associated with universal access to malaria treatment remains unresolved. I address potential correlation in health interventions as well as possibilities of mean reversion in measuring the impact of recent malaria intervention on mortality. Our study finds that malaria control policies reduces neonatal and infant mortality by 28.6% and 14.88% respectively while the impact on post-natal mortality is inconclusive. Our study reveals that malaria control policy may have differential effect depending on early or late infancy. Involvement of local communities and civil society organization in the implementation of health programs is crucial. Most importantly our study shed lights on the potential health gains associated with universal access to treatment as clamored by WHO. As many African countries are contemplating implementing a policy of universal access to treatment, this study hopes to serve as a guide to policy makers in gauging the likely health gains associated with such policy.