PIP: This study identifies the causes of infant and child mortality (EMIJ) in Yaounde, Cameroon based on findings from The Institute de Formation et de Recherche Demographique (IFORD) survey that took place from January 1, 1978 to January 31, 1980. The research was done in 2 phases: 1) a survey in 1978 of all newborns in the maternities of Yaounde, and 2) home visits to mothers at 4-month intervals from the time of birth, except for the 1st month. Infant and child mortality varied by sex with males dying more than females. In 1978 Keumaye found that 43.3% of males and 42.8% of females died from infectious and parasitic diseases; 13.8% of males as against 12% of females died from problems during childbirth, 7.6% males and 5.3% females died from respiratory diseases, 10.3% of males and 8.2% of females died from diarrhea while 28.4% of females as against 24.1% of males died from measles. The study found that infectious and parasitic diseases, diseases connected to pregnancy and post-partum complications, and respiratory infections were all responsible for 63% of all deaths for those under 12 in Yaounde. Infectious and parasitic diseases accounted for 67% and 41.6% to measles. This study illustrates the structural causes of routine deaths that take place in developing countries, especially in Tropical Africa, and points towards the high incidence of parasitic and infectious diseases that affect infants by sex during their first 6 months of life.