MATERNAL MORTALITY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 15 September 1924, Page 2

MATERNAL MORTALITY.

PRESENT METHODS INEFFECTIVE NEW ZEALAND LAGGING BEHIND. NEW MEASURES MUST BE DEVISED. In the course of his annual report, Dr. M. H. Watt (Director of the Division of Public Hygiene) deals with the question of maternal mortality. While the vital statistics of New Zealand generally compare more than favourably with those of other countries, in certain respects the Dominion does not occupy a pai’ticularly sound position, and, indeed, seems to be lagging behind., says Dr. Watt. For some time it has been known, to our shame, that despite many advantages—climatic, social, and economic—the Dominiop labours under the stigma of a comparatively high maternal-mortality rate. In proportion to its population, more women die as a result of child-birth in this country than in many other countries which have not the advantages that we possess. The following shows the maternal mortality rates per 1000 in the various countries: Denmark, 1921, 2.0; Netherlands, 1921, 2.3; Sweden, 1917, 2.5; Italy, 1917, 3.0; Norway, 1917, 3.0; Uruguay, 1920, 3.4; Japan, 1921, 3.6; England and Wales, 1922. 3.8 ; Union of South Africa, 1919, 3.9; Hungary, 1915, 4.0; Finland, 1918, 4.4; Australia, 1921, 4.7; Germany) 1918, 4.9; New Zealand, 1923, • 5.1; Spain, 1915, 5.2; Ireland, 1920, 5.5; Switzerland, 1915, 5.5; ; France, 1914, 5.7; Scotland, 1919, 6.2; United States birth registration area, 1923, 6.8; Belgium, 1919, 7.2; Chile, 1920, 7.5. Again, Tvhile New Zealand is justly proud of its record that it possesses the lowest infant mortality rate in the world, a close inspection of the figures shows that there is still much to be done. The reduction in the infant mortality rate in New Zealand has been wholly due to the saving of infant life after the age of one month, an accomplishment due in no small measure to the excellent work inaugurated and directed by Dr. Truby King. The deathrate of infants under one. month in this country, however, is still 29 per 1000 live births, and has shown practically no reduction since the Plunket Society commenced its work in 1907, when the rate was 30 per 1000. In a recent report which the Health Department received from Dr. C. J. Brenkman. Chief of the Medical Statistical Department of the Municipal Health Service of Amsterdam, it is shown that the death, rate of infants under one month in that city has fallen from 23 per 1000 births hi 1905 to 13 per 1000 births in 1922. Differences in the methods of compiling the figures forbid any strict comparison between the two countries in regard to first-month mortality. The fact remains that in Amsterdam the firstmonth mortality is a rapidly falling quantity, while in New Zealand it is practically stationary. Closely allied in its causes with the death-rate under one month is the mass of still-births which occurs annually in the Dominion. Still-births, have been notifiable since 1915. The rate of stillbirths for the year 1923 was 32 per 1000 live births, a higher figure than any previously recorded. These three, groups of figures show New Zealand in a most unfavourable light, adds the report. It is obvious that present methods are not effective, and do not provide the solution of the problem. New measures must be devised. The problem is one which concerns primarily the general public and the medical and nursing professions, and the remedy would appear to lie rather in their hands than with the Department of Health. It can be reasonably expected that better treatment of. the expectant mother and higher s hdl on the part of the attendants at the time of birth and immediately afterwards would reduce the rates very materially.

On the , subject of maternal mortality a table shows the number of deaths from puerperal causes, and the rate of such deaths per 1000 births, for the five-yearly period 1919-1923 as follow:—1919, 124, 5.06; 1920, 194, 6.48; ill 1, be?'' 5 ' 08; 1922, 149 ’ 5 ' 14; 19283 The St. Helen’s Maternity Hospitals continue to render a splendid service, says the report of the Director-General of Health (Dr. T. H. A. Valiritine). The extent to which these institutions are used is a compliment to their administration. and the confidence the general public repose in those in charge. During the five-year period ended 31st March, 1924, the number of deaths from puerperal fever in St. Helen’s Hospital was only four, or 0.58 ner 1009 live births, whereas the figures for all New Zealand were 271, or 1.94 per 1000.