Infant mortality is the name given to the number of infant deaths in the first 12 months of life per every 1,000 births. In 1996, the primary causes of infant mortality were congenital disorders related to immaturity (premature births), low birth weight (LBW)(infants weighing less than 5lb. 9oz or 2,500 grams). Some of the most common reasons for infant mortality due to LBW include respiratory distress syndrome, which may involve atelectasis (collapsed lung or lungs), hypoxemia (low oxygen absorption), and high carbon dioxide levels. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and lack of the essentials of life, i.e., adequate food, warmth, shelter, and water, all contribute to infant mortality. In a typical population, the mortality rate is higher among male infants than female infants, mainly because male births are also higher.

More than 60% of infant deaths occur within the first 27 days after birth, known formally as the neonatal period...