Spatial modelling of perinatal mortality in Mchinji, Malawi

•Investigated small-scale geographical variations and determinants of perinatal mortality in Mchinji, Malawi.•Used Fully Bayesian inference basing on posterior distributions of the model parameters.•Several determinants of perinatal mortality were identified.•High perinatal mortality was observed in the eastern part of the study area.•Targeting health interventions to higher risk areas and ensuring universal coverage are recommended.