ABSTRACT
PIP: The measures for reducing the infant mortality in the Byelorussian SSR (USSR) are reviewed. In urban populations, infant mortality is caused by labor injuries, asphyxia, and atelectasis (41.2%); congenital abnormalities (22.6%); respiratory tract diseases (18.4%); and infections including septicemia. In rural populations, infant mortality is associated with respiratory tract diseases, birth injuries, congenital abnormalities, and infections. Analysis of the activity of pediatric health care facilities indicates that the decrease in infant mortality can be achieved by syst ematic examination of infants at risk for hypertrophy, diathesis, or anemia; improvement of the care for premature infants; isolation of infants with viral and bacterial infections; campaigning for breastfeeding; parental education; and continuous education of health personnel.^ieng
