Past empirical findings about early mortality factors in Nigeria are examined within a proximate determinants framework. This shows that higher parental income and higher density of modem health facilities constitute the combination of factors most likely to bring about sustained reductions in early mortality levels. Evidence relating to various areas of the country do not, on the whole, show up maternal education as the primary early mortality reducing factor that it is acclaimed to be in other developing areas. The need to focus on the fundamental problem of raising general living standards rather than the pursuit of "short-cut" solutions to higher early mortality risks is implied.
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