Argentina reports 63 sudden infant deaths in 2024

In 2024, Argentina recorded 63 cases of sudden and unexpected infant death, according to the latest Vital Statistics report. Data analyzed by the Argentine Society of Pediatrics (SAP) indicates that 69.2% of these cases were associated with co-sleeping, while 70.8% occurred under conditions of overcrowding.

Of the total deaths, 82.7% involved infants between zero and five months of age. Additionally, tobacco exposure was a factor in 27.4% of the cases, where at least one cohabitant was a smoker. The SAP noted that these deaths occur between 7 and 365 days of life and often lack an identifiable cause prior to medical and legal investigation.

In observance of Safe Sleep Week (October 13–18), the SAP has launched a campaign to promote preventive habits from pregnancy. Risk factors identified include unsafe sleep practices, inadequate ventilation, respiratory infections, and environmental conditions such as overcrowding and smoke exposure.