10 Mar 2021

SUDI expert on failing government programme

From Morning Report, 8:10 am on 10 March 2021

More now on our story about the failure of a government programme set up to reduce sudden deaths of babies.

Formerly known as "cot death", sudden unexpected death in infancy - or SUDI - generally occur in the first few months of a baby's life, and most often in their sleep.

In 2019, the Ministry of Health says 52 babies died of SUDI - roughly a 25 percent rise on a typical year.

Officials say the failing $5 million a year prevention scheme is under review.

Eastern Institute of Technology SUDI expert Professor David Tipene-Leach spoke to Susie Ferguson.