Levels of infant mortality are rising and are twice as high in some regions of England as others, analysis shows.
Official figures reveal northern England, along with Black and Asian ethnic groups, are seeing the biggest increases.
Experts from Health Equity North (HEN) say data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that 2,209 infants died before their first birthday in 2021, which was 3.7 deaths per 1,000 live births.
But the following year it had risen to 2,240 deaths and a rate of 3.9 - the same level as in 2012 - highlighting what HEN describes as "10 years of stagnation".
Regionally, the West Midlands had the highest rate (5.6), followed by Yorkshire and the Humber (5.1), and the North West (4.4).
Increases in infant mortality rates have been largely driven by Yorkshire and the Humber, along with the North East and North West.
Figures have also been consistently higher among Black (6.8) and Asian (5.7) ethnic groups, and since 2020 the rates have been getting worse.
This compares to White groups, with the lowest mortality rate (3.1), which have seen an improvement over the last decade - although more recently that has been in reverse.
Compared with other countries, the UK also ranks poorly for infant mortality.
Among a group of 38 nations, within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), our position has plummeted from 10th in 1960 to 29th in 2021.
And in Europe - where the average rate is 3.1 - the UK's figure is twice as high as Finland and Norway.
Risk factors for infant mortality include prematurity, congenital anomalies, low birthweight, ethnicity, maternal age, deprivation and poverty.
Read more from Sky News:
Ethnic disparities in baby mortality rates
Whooping cough cases rise above 10,000
Academics say that, up to 2010, policies to address health inequalities in England had resulted in positive improvements, but the trend went into reverse in 2014.
Experts suggest rising poverty is leading to poor nutrition, inadequate housing and mental health issues.
Professor David Taylor-Robinson, academic co-director at Health Equity North and professor of public health and policy at the University of Liverpool, said: "An increase in infant mortality rates is uncommon in affluent nations.
"For many years infant mortality was declining... however, that success has slowed in recent years with rates beginning to rise again, particularly in more deprived communities."
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Health Equity North - an institute which examines public health problems and inequalities - is arguing for improved investment in children's health and maternity services, particularly in deprived areas.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
