Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: A Global Public Health Issue and Nursing's Response

Sudden unexplained death in infancy, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), is a global public health challenge. Despite public health campaigns and efforts, SIDS remains the leading cause of postneonatal mortality in many developed countries. In this article, we review SIDS, describe nursing's unique professional position in addressing this problem, and explore how the principles of social justice can inform nursing's response. Motivated by nursing's ethical and moral obligations, the profession is called to take an active role in educating others regarding this phenomenon, to participate in research, and to develop or advocate for policy that aims to reduce the incidence of SIDS on an international scale.