New Zealand is at risk of not meeting its goals in reducing sudden unexpected death in infancy

In 2017 the Government set a target of reducing the rate to 0.1 per 1000 births by 2025.

A Massey University report has found as of 2019, the most recent available data, the number is at 0.8 per 1000 births.

Report author Helene Marsters says one environmental factor dramatically increases the risk.

She says second hand smoke is a big risk factor, especially mothers smoking during and after pregnancy.