The problem, however, is far from solved. Our infant death rate is still among the nation's highest, and rates across the country are decreasing at a faster pace than ours. We are still losing, before their first birthdays, 967 babies a year.

The most direct and effective way to stem infant death and disease is to reduce the births of premature and low birthweight babies with effective prevention programs that blend health care with health education, behavior modification and public policy.

Prevention messages have proven highly successful in educating women about the importance of being healthy before they become pregnant, the use of folic acid prior to conception and the need for early prenatal care.

Statewide public prevention campaigns, including those sponsored by the N.C. Healthy Start Foundation, have a track record of success in saving babies' lives. For example, the foundation's Back to Sleep Campaign played a major role in reducing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in the state by 35 percent.

So while we commend everyone involved for the progress made in our state's battle with infant mortality, we must also remember that there is much still to be done.

Thomas J. Bacon

Chair, Board of Directors, N.C. Healthy Start Foundation

Director, N.C. Area Health Education Centers