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The gradual reduction in infant mortality since 1921 is no
doubt the result of child welfare in all its various phases. Other
factors have played their part, such as the fall in the case
mortality of certain infectious diseases, diarrhœa and respiratory
infections.
Over 50 per cent, of deaths within the first few weeks of
life result from prematurity, congenital malformation and birth
injuries. There are indications that the education of the mother
as to her health and improved ante-partum care have resulted in
a diminution of the deaths in children within the first few weeks
of life. Birth injuries have been minimised by the employment
of specialised obstetrical assistance. Prematurity, the chief
cause of deaths under the age of one month, should show a
gradual fall as the knowledge of the necessity for special care
of premature infants becomes more known and applied.
Maternal Mortality.
With the introduction of sulphonamides there was immediately
a decline in the mortality from puerperal infection
which can no longer be considered as a serious risk of pregnancy.
The number of maternal deaths and the mortality rate in
the years 1921 to 1951 are shown in the following table: —