Galvanizing Collective Action to Accelerate Reductions in Maternal and Newborn Mortality and Prevention of Stillbirths

Abstract

Historically, global efforts to accelerate progress toward achieving health and well-being for women and children have appeared separate, despite the inextricable links among maternal, perinatal, and newborn health outcomes.n Accelerating progress demands that the maternal and newborn health (MNH) community more rapidly and effectively share learning, new evidence, and program experiences. nA new global initiative, AlignMNH, will establish a country-driven, multidirectional knowledge hub and series of convenings to promote purposeful knowledge sharing and problem solving and align on priorities for action. These efforts are intended to facilitate increased application of evidence and regular review of progress ultimately contributing to improved MNH and prevention of stillbirths.

The effect of gestational age, low birth weight and parity on birth asphyxia among neonates in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis: 2021

“…The global incidence of birth asphyxia is estimated at 2 to 10 per 1000 among term newborns [ 4 ] and it is higher in developing countries than in developed countries as a result of the reduced availability of skilled care provided during delivery. Globally, birth asphyxia accounts for more than 24% of neonatal mortality [ 5 ]. Birth asphyxia is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality in low and middle-income countries and also the main cause of long-term illnesses including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and other neurodevelopment disorders [ 6 ].…”

Pooled Prevalence and Determinants of Completion of Maternity Continuum of Care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multi-Country Analysis of Recent Demographic and Health Surveys

“…In developing regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, pregnancy-related preventable morbidities take the lion's share of the causes of maternal, neonatal, and child death ( 1 , 2 ). Consolidation of qualified maternity care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period is the priority agenda of the region and the world at large to achieve the sustainable development goal ( 3 ).…”

“…In line with the target, there has been substantial improvement in maternal healthcare services in sub-Sahara African countries since 2015 ( 4 , 5 ). Though there have been some improvements, sub-Saharan Africa is known as the highest maternal mortality ratio (542 per 100,000 live births) region in the world ( 1 ). However, we are still a long way from achieving our goal of eliminating preventable maternal death, stillbirth, and neonatal death by 2030 ( 6 ).…”

“…However, we are still a long way from achieving our goal of eliminating preventable maternal death, stillbirth, and neonatal death by 2030 ( 6 ). Recently published data show that there is a need to double the average annual rate of decline in sub-Saharan Africa to reach the 2030 target ( 1 , 7 ).…”

Assessment of Factors Associated with Practice and Knowledge of Essential Newborn Care Among Nurses and Midwives, Western Ethiopia, 2021.

“…The Essential Newborn Care Protocol is a set of time-bound, chronologically ordered standard procedures that a baby receives at birth to improve the health of newborns through in-terventions before conception, during pregnancy, during and shortly after birth, and in the postnatal period improve [4]. There are four heart of the protocol of ENC ;which are time bound interventions: immediate drying, skin-to-skin contact, followed by disconnecting the umbilical cord after 1 to 3 minutes, not separating the baby from the mother, and starting breastfeeding [5].…”