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19
Mortality in Infants under one year or age from 1901 to
1924.
Figures are not available before 1905, but a comparison of the ages of
the deaths of children under 1 year of age shows that little improvement
has taken place in the proportion of deaths which occur at birth or within
the first week. The average of such deaths for the nine years 1905-13 was
23.0 per 1,000 born, but in individual years before the War it was several
times below 21. During the War and up to 1920 the rate rose to 30, and
since then until 1924 it has varied from 21.8 to 24.5. In 1924 the rate
was 19, which is the lowest shown, and indicates that some improvement is
taking place in regard to care of the mother before and at the time of
confinement. It is certain that there is still room for improvement.
Three-yearly
Periods.
Under
1 week.
Total
under
4 Weeks.
4 Weeks
and under
3 Months.
3 Months
and under
6 Months.
6 Months
and under
9 Months.
9 Months
and under
12 Months.
1905-8 23.8 41.1 21.0 16.4 15.0 11.4
1922-24 21.9 27.7 7.9 10.0 5.4 6.4
These rates are per 1,000 births.
There is more improvement shown in the deaths under four weeks, while
at ages 1 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months and 9 to 12 months the reduction is
considerable at each period, equal in the last three years to 53 per cent, of
the rates in 1905-8. The causes of death of infants under 1 year of age
from 1901 to 1924 are set out below, from which it will be seen under
which headings reduction has taken place. From a study of this table it
appears both possible and practicable that increased efforts in various
directions will effect still further improvements in the health of the infant,
which will be reflected in later years in the health and longevity of the
adult.