Parameters for child health.

Keeping in mind that child health is closely related to socio-economic conditions, examples of the relationship between infant mortality and gross national product (GNP) per capita are given. If the infant mortality rate is taken as a parameter of health care its accurate determination raises some problems, which are discussed. Lastly, the perspectives for improving perinatal and infant mortality rates both in developed and developing countries are considered. In this respect the place of paediatric research is emphasized.