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Stillbirths are largely invisible as a social and public health problem, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. The global burden is vast with an estimated 2.6 million stillbirths each year. Nearly 45% of stillbirths occur during labour. There are proven, cost-effective interventions that could signifi cantly reduce this burden, including providing emergency obstetric care and ensuring that a skilled professional attends births. Delivering on related commitments to the UN Secretary-General’s Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health will have triple benefi ts: reducing not only maternal and newborn deaths, but also stillbirths.
Related content:
- Read the Lancet Series on Stillbirths
- Why should stillbirths matter? A blog by Dr. Frederick Froen
- Time to count this daily reality: Blog by Dr. Joy Lawn