Community Engagement and Infant Mortality Reduction in Rural Niger: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study of Community-Based Maternal Healthcare Services

Infant mortality remains a significant public health concern in rural Niger, where community engagement is crucial for effective maternal healthcare services. The study employs mixed-methods research, including quantitative data analysis from surveys and qualitative interviews to explore the dynamics of community engagement and its effects on maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Community participation increased by 20% over ten years, correlating with a 15% reduction in infant mortality rates. Analysis revealed that active community involvement led to better vaccination coverage and health education programmes. The findings suggest that sustained engagement of communities is essential for effective maternal healthcare services in rural settings, leading to significant reductions in infant mortality. Healthcare providers should prioritise fostering strong community partnerships to enhance the efficacy of maternal healthcare interventions in rural areas. Infant Mortality, Community Engagement, Maternal Healthcare, Longitudinal Study, Rural Niger Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p_i)=\beta_0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.