Birmingham launches taskforce as babies die at twice national rate

Families from Pakistani backgrounds found to be affected disproportionately by high level of infant mortality

A taskforce is being set up to tackle baby deaths in Birmingham, after a report revealed infant mortality rates in the city are nearly twice the national average, with families from Pakistani backgrounds disproportionately affected.

Councillors described the situation as distressing" and said the report made for uncomfortable reading after it highlighted deprivation, ethnicity and health inequalities as key factors in the stubbornly high numbers, which equate to more than 100 babies dying before their first birthday in the city every year.