A retrospective study to investigate infant mortality was conducted in one of the poorest rural areas in Mali. The study was conducted through questionnaires, and was made among 811 women in 11 different villages. 3204 live births were recorded; 615 newborns, however, died before 1 year of life, i.e. an infant mortality rate of almost 250/1000. Main causes of mortality were obstetrical factors, tetanus, malaria, several types of pneumopathies, toxicoses, and nutrition disorders. Symptoms were the same in all villages, convulsions, cough, fever, and diarrhea. Action to improve the socioeconomic development of the area, set up a working national health structure, and a program of control of communicable diseases should be the first concern of local leaders and of national authorities.