Problem of Maori infant mortality

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32536, 20 February 1971, Page 2

Problem of Maori infant mortality

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, February 19.

The infant mortality rate among Maoris was almost twice that of other New Zealanders, the Royal Commission on Social Security was told today.

Dr R. N. Howie, honorary secretary of the Paediatric Society of New Zealand, said in submissions from the Auckland branch of the society that Maori children appeared to be unduly susceptible to respiratory infections. These diseases, contracted at an early stage of infancy, were the main cause of the high mortality rate among Maori babies which, between the ages of six and 12 months, was five times the rate among Europeans. COST FACTOR Dr Howie said it was clear that these infants did not receive proper medical attention. Many parents gave expense as the main reason for not seeing a doctor in the early stages of a child’s illness.

The society submitted that the general medical services benefit should be increased, at least for children of preschool age, if not for all children under 16. Dr Howie said that although New Zealand’s mortality rate fell considerably after the first year, figures for infant mortality

after one year showed up unfavourably in international comparisons. At least 13 other developed

countries had lower mortality rates than New Zealand in

one to four age group.

Health problems, Dr Howie said, could not be measured by mortality alone. The continuing high incidence of preventable illness in children was a matter for concern in this country. Although tuberculosis was in general a declining disease, in the Auckland region it was increasing. Nutritional rickets, anaemia and ear infections were also common.

Dr Howie said that malnutrition cases represented about 20 per cent of all admissions to children’s wards during the period from September, 1966, until now. All the cases were under four years of age; 55 per cent were Maori and 20 per cent Pacific Islanders. He submitted that Government spending on health should emphasise to a much greater extent its preventive aspects.

“More money properly spent on preventive measures should reduce the need for hospital care, with an ultimate net saving to the country,” he said.