View report page

23
On the opposite page is seen an analysis of the causes
of death in infants during the first year of life.
The chief causes of death are seen to be Bronchitis and
Pneumonia, 16 deaths; Diarrhoea and Enteritis, 16 deaths;
Premature Birth, 14 deaths; Atrophy, Debility and
Marasmus, 15 deaths. If infantile mortality is to be reduced
further it will be in respect of deaths under these headings.
Bronchitis and Pneumonia.
The provision of suitable and hygienic clothing for all
infants and the efficient ventilation of the rooms in which they
sleep would do very much to minimise mortality from these
diseases.
Diarrhcea and Enteritis.
The incidence of this disease is closely connected with
the cleanliness of the child, its food and surroundings. If
only sufficient care were taken, especially during hot weather,
diarrhoea would be an uncommon disease.
Premature Birth.
This is a great blot on the record. It must be
remembered that for every child that dies of prematurity
after birth, many more die before birth, in the form of
miscarriages and abortions. This wastage of life during
the first nine months after conception represents collectively
a great strain on the motherhood of the country, and
is one of the great problems for society to face. One
disease, Syphilis, is the chief cause of mortality in the unborn
and newly-born. This disease, with other venereal diseases,
is now the subject of enquiry by a Royal Commission.
Atrophy, Debility and Marasmus.
Encouragement of breast-feeding would do much to
lessen the number of deaths from these causes.