Health Minister Nelson Bascome yesterday defended Bermuda's infant mortality rate and immunisation programmes as a film festival raising awareness among pregnant mothers prepares to get underway.

Mr. Bascome said promotional material for the Motherbaby International highlighted the Island as having a high infant mortality rate and casts doubts over the safety of immunisations.

However, organiser Sophia Cannonier last night argued Bermuda's rate of 3.6 deaths per thousand live births was still too high — saying the target figure should be zero.

Mrs. Cannonier also urged people to go along to the event at Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute over the weekend to find out for themselves what campaigners say are the dangers of some immunisation programmes.

Mr. Bascome said: "I am concerned that while this is a very positive event, some of the information being used as it relates to Bermuda is incorrect and suggests that some of our health programmes are not meeting internationally acceptable standards.

"Bermuda's infant mortality rate is on par with the infant mortality rates per thousand live births for the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Bermuda has a rate of 3.6 deaths per thousand live births.

"The United States by comparison has a rate of 6.3 deaths per thousand live births. Bermuda's infant mortality rate represents the efforts of all of our healthcare professionals in Bermuda and incorrect statements about their efforts cannot go without response."

Mrs. Cannonier replied: "It was not our intention to criticise. All we are saying is that everyone can do better. Don't be happy with 3.6. It should be zero."

Mr. Bascome said he was extremely concerned about any public events that are intended to raise doubts about the safety and efficacy of immunisations.

He said: "I applaud the efforts of the Island's paediatricians and family doctors who work with parents and the Department of Health to protect the public's health and ensure that our children are protected against childhood diseases and other diseases through our Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).

"It is critically important for anyone with concerns to get accurate, unbiased information and to discuss issues with their physician or a health care professional."

Mrs. Cannonier responded: "The film goes over the controversy about vaccinations. People should see it for themselves so they can make up their own minds."