Summary This paper examines the levels, trends and Kuwaiti–non-Kuwaiti differentials in stillbirth, infant and child mortality rates during the 1957–79 period. The present infant mortality rate (33 per 1000) and its component parts are high in contrast to those in more developed countries. But during the last few decades, the rates showed definite decline. The decline in infant and child mortality was rapid between 1955 and 1970 when the infant death rate was about 100 or more per thousand livebirths, but slowed after the infant mortality rates were brought down to around 50 in 1970. The large scale reduction in mortality since 1950 is closely associated with socioeconomic progress and improvements in standards of living as well as wider availability and better accessibility of health services. Kuwait is still in a position where mortality can be reduced further, provided that investment in health and education continues.