Trends in the mortality rates for the ten leading causes of death among white, coloured and Asian children under 5 years of age in the RSA, 1968-1977

Differentials in infant and child mortality among three major racial groups in South Africa are examined using data from official sources for the period 1968-1977. In general the data indicate that mortality from the 10 leading causes of death was higher and in some cases substantially higher among Coloured children than among whites whereas Asian mortality generally fell between these two extremes. Differences in mortality trends by cause over time are discussed. (ANNOTATION)