In many parts of the developing world infectious diseases account for as many as 70% of all deaths among children under the age of five years. The IMCI strategy includes interventions to reduce mortality from pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria, measles and malnutrition. Deaths from other infectious diseases such as meningitis, neonatal sepsis or pertussis are also likely to decline by improving nutrition and providing antibiotic treatment and immunization. As countries develop, the share of IMCI-preventable mortality is reduced. Evaluation is more likely therefore to detect impact of IMCI in high-mortality than in low-mortality areas.

One objective of the MCE is to measure the impact of IMCI on childhood mortality. Data to support the measurement of mortality indicators are being collected through demographic surveillance systems (Tanzania), or vital statistics (Peru), or specially-designed demographic surveys (Uganda and Bangladesh). The MCE indicators address under-five mortality, neonatal mortality, infant mortality and disease-specific mortality.