London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London

Stepney 1908

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Stepney]

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26
It will be observed that one of the chief objects of appointing a Health Visitor
is the reduction of the infantile mortality.

Table: The following figures will show that although the efforts of the Council have been fairly successful in this respect, the infantile mortality yet remains at a high figure :—

The following figures will show that although the efforts of the Council have been fairly successful in this respect, the infantile mortality yet remains at a high figure :—

Limehouse District.St. George's.Mile End.Whitechapel District.The whole Borough.
1899216199161147174
1900227141166140166
1901211185150140165
1902197160163117155
1903165170122138141
1904208161145143158
1905163157140119142
1906168141126123136
1907131130112110119
1908171141117108120

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The infantile mortality throughout the whole of London was 113 per 1,000
births.
The enhanced infantile mortality of the Borough in 1908 was due almost entirely
to the large number of deaths from Infantile Diarrhoea, and to a less extent to deaths
from Measles.
A little over one-third of the total deaths occurred in the first month of life.
It is generally acknowledged that three-fourths of the infants born throughout the
country are healthy at birth. Among the causes of this high mortality in children
during the first year of life are:—
(а) Want of breast milk.
(b) Want of a pure supply of milk in cases in which artificial feeding must
be resorted to.
(c) Breathing foul air.
(d) Insufficient warmth.
(e) Want of cleanliness and sleep.
Among the contributory factors are:—
Improper housing conditions,
Poverty,
Condition of work,
Drink,
Ante-natal conditions.