The number of new babies dying within four weeks of their birth fell 39% between 2001 and 2010 according to new national figures.

Last year, over 160,000 babies were born after a pregnancy of at least 37 weeks, of whom 367 died, figures from the country’s first perinatal audit show.
The researchers did not try to identify reasons for the improvement, but the figures indicated efforts to reduce the high Dutch perinatal death rate are paying off.
Shortcomings
However, about 10% of the deaths appear to be connected to shortcomings in care.
A report by Erasmus University researchers last year said the high infant mortality rate in the Netherlands is due to failures in the risk screening system.
Their research said one in 100 babies in the Netherlands dies shortly before or after birth, one of the highest rates in Europe. In some 80% of cases, the baby is handicapped, has a too low birth weight or is born too early.
Distance
In February, researchers from Amsterdam and Groningen teaching hospitals said there is a clear link between the infant mortality rate and the distance mothers must travel to hospital if something goes wrong with a home birth.
Although around 40% of Dutch women plan to give birth at home, only around 22% actually do so.
Health minister Edith Schippers has announced plans to establish 24/7 maternity clinics at Dutch hospitals, so that every woman is no more than 15 minutes from specialist help.