HEALTH OF BRITAIN

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 22153, 27 September 1943, Page 5

HEALTH OF BRITAIN

RECORD LOW MORTALITY

LONDON, Sept. 23

The mortality figures for England and Wales reached new low records in 1942. Not only the maternal and infant mortality rate, but also the proportion of still-births and death rates among the male and female population was the lowest ever recorded in England and Wales.

The incidence of infectious diseases was remarkably low—probably the best on record. A number of nutritional surveys made in 1942 showed there had been no general deterioration in the nutritional state of the population. Minor illness appears to have been no more prevalent than might have been expected at this stage of a hard war.

Total deaths in England and Wales in 1942, including non-civilian and those due to enemy action, were 480,137, or 55,043 fewer than in 1941. The total of live births at 654,039 was greater in 1941 by 66,811. The infant mortality rate of 49 per thousand live births is the lowest on record as was the stillbirths rate of 33 per thousand deaths.

The increase in the incidence of social disease continues, although the rise has been less steep. The tuberculosis position is better than could reasonably have been expected two years ago. There was a distinct check in the wartime increase in the death rate. Diphtheria deaths fell from 2641 in 1941 t0’1826, a new low record. Deaths from cancer numbered 70,409, continuing the steady rise noted for so many years.