Story: Child and youth health

Causes of death for babies, children and young people, 2012–2016

The leading cause of death during the period 2012–16 was medical conditions (38.8%). This was followed by unintentional injury (27.75%) and intentional injury (25.3%). Sudden unexpected death, either in infancy (SUDI) or in those aged 12–23 months (SUD), accounts for 7.6% of deaths.

The leading cause of death changes with age. For children under 15 years, it is medical conditions; and in those aged 15–24 years, it is intentional injury (suicide and assault) followed by unintentional injury – most frequently fatal road crashes.

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Source: Child and Youth Mortality Review Committee: 13th data report 2012–2016

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Child and youth health - Health status of children and young people', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/graph/30310/causes-of-death-for-babies-children-and-young-people-2012-2016 (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 29 Nov 2018