Last year, the Ministry of Health reduced the target from 100 per cent to just 70 per cent of caregivers of 6-week-old Maori babies being warned of the risks of sudden infant death. "This is about making it easier for state workers to reach their targets, not about Maori babies." Maori babies are significantly more likely to die this way because of high smoking rates and the cultural custom of bed-sharing. Video will play in Play now Don't auto playNever auto playA Maori health target for sudden infant death was lowered by Government officials because it was too difficult to achieve - even though Maori babies are five times more likely to die this way. However, the Ministry of Health does not fund pepi-pods, claiming it is still "awaiting research" to prove they reduce infant deaths.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 10, 2016 17:03 UTC