MORE babies are surviving beyond their first birthday in Bradford, according to latest figures.

The district's infant mortality rate has fallen for the sixth year in a row and although its rate is still higher than regional and national averages, councillors will next week be told that the gap is closing.

A report from Bradford Council’s Director of Public Health and Strategic Director of Children’s Services shows infant mortality rates are now at their lowest rate for over a decade

The latest infant mortality rate of 5.9 per 1,000 births for 2011/13 is a reduction from 7.0 in 2010/12 and 8.3 in 2005/07.

Nationally the equivalent figures are 4.1 per 1,000 births for 2011/13, 4.3 for 2010/12 and 4.9 for 2005/07.

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On Tuesday the Council’s Health and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be told figures are also ahead of projected targets agreed in 2011 for reducing infant mortality in the district.

Director of Public Health Anita Parkin said: "We value every baby that is born in the district and every time a new life is lost, it is a tragedy not only for their parents and family but for society as a whole."

Between 2004 and 2006, the reasons behind Bradford's historically high infant mortality rate were studied. It led to ten recommendations and the development of the Every Baby Matters action plan.

"By focusing on the ten key areas highlighted in the Every Baby Matters action plan, our aim is to continue to improve the survival rates of babies in the Bradford district," Dr Parkin said.

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"Although we have seen recent improvements, we are working hard to further reduce the risks by reducing the impact of child poverty and improving education and housing standards. We’re also looking to ensure families get access to high-quality services and support from pre-conception, pregnancy through to infancy and to improve nutrition and breastfeeding for babies."

The Strategic Director for Children’s Services Michael Jameson said: "We have seen a real difference being made across the district in terms of infant mortality but we need to continue to work hard to ensure every child gets the best start in life possible.

"Bradford Council, the NHS and other key partners have been working hard to tackle the causes of infant mortality and we need to maintain focus in order to make further improvements."

Over the last year, Every Baby Matters successes include improved access to midwife before 12 weeks of pregnancy, a reduction in the teenage conception rate to below the national average, continued high vaccination rates for infants, training about genetic inheritance for GPs and an increased take up of Healthy Start vitamins in pregnant women and young babies.