CHALLENGE OF FETAL LOSS, PREMATURITY, AND INFANT MORTALITY-A WORLD VIEW

Abstract

Comparison of data from various countries shows that large differences exist with respect to the loss of human life from premature births, deaths during the neonatal period, and deaths in the age period from one month to 4 years. Attention is called particularly to the very high death rates in the age group of 1 to 4 years in economically less developed areas. The differences are seen to be largely correctable. This is proved not only by contemporary comparisons of country with country but also by comparison of past with present mortality rates in countries where adequate records have been kept. Three phases of action are suggested to reduce this loss of human life: A first point of attack is to establish and strengthen basic public health services, including maternal and child health services, in economically less developed areas. A second is a series of specific measures to reduce prenatal and neonatal mortality, for instance, by improved prenatal care and by improved treatment of premature infants. A third is an intensive program of research aimed at the identification and correction of all factors that may handicap a child in either its intrauterine or its postnatal growth. The first measure is essential for the reduction of excessive mortality in the age period 1 month to 4 years. The second and third measures are increasingly important in the reduction of perinatal mortality.