Monitoring Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI)

Monitoring data on Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy (SUDI) in New Zealand that utilises preliminary data will now be published annually.  

SUDI is when a baby dies in a way that is unexpected and initially unexplained. It is the leading cause of preventable death in babies in New Zealand, with on average one baby dying from SUDI each week. 

Until now, the Commission has relied on and published data that was often three to four years old. This allowed time for the data to reflect the coroner’s consideration of the cause of death.  

When there is a time lag between the death and monitoring reports, the information is less meaningful for the health sector as staff, programmes or even health care structures may have changed. 

Our new reporting uses preliminary data, which is available within days of the death of an infant, as well as data on deaths that have been confirmed by the coroners.

This new approach will enable those working on SUDI reduction to respond more effectively to issues as they emerge and supports planning so that programs and resources are focused on where the needs are greatest.    

The report just published is the beginning of annual ‘nearer to real time’ reporting of SUDI by the Commission.

Read the Monitoring Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy report