Infant mortality in the Western Galilee, 1964-86

The infant mortality rate (IMR) in the Jewish and Arab populations in the Western Galilee was studied during the 2-year period 1985-86, and compared with those of previous surveys conducted since 1964-65. The IMR declined steadily during the two decades, from 33.6 to 8.5/1,000 in the Jewish population and from 49.2 to 18.2/1,000 in the Arab population. The decline was noted in both neonatal and postneonatal periods. Analysis of the causes of death showed that enteric and respiratory infections ranked high in the first and second surveys (1964-65 and 1970) and decreased to a low level in both population groups in recent years, but were still relatively high among Arab infants living in villages. The decrease in the IMR seems to be the result of an improvement in the general living conditions of the population and the efficiency of the health services.