Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Cot death study

Updated at 10:16 pm on 20 July 2011

A professor is to look at why Maori babies are at a high risk of dying in their sleep.

Of the 70 infants who die suddenly and unexpectedly every year, 45 are Māori.

The Health Research Council has awarded funding of $1.18 million to Ed Mitchell of the University of Auckland to study Sudden Infant Death Syndrome among all babies.

Professor Mitchell says the study will include a focus on bed-sharing.

He says its point will be to inform parents about the risks.

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