Registration of stillbirths (69%) and under-five deaths (79%) improved from 1998–2008. Stillbirth certificates lacked cause of death information and neonatal deaths due to prematurity and birth asphyxia were often misclassified. Stillbirth, infant and under-five mortality rates were 15, 20 and 22/1000, respectively.

This study compared the changing patterns of mortality in infants and adults during the pre-independence and postindependence eras in Trinidad and Tobago. The main challenges in the pre-independence period arose predominantly from infectious diseases and in the post-independence period from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This rising tide of NCDs is the most important challenge in the new millennium to the structure and delivery of healthcare services.