Stillbirths : ending preventable deaths by 2030

Abstract

The number of annual stillbirths remains unchanged and unacceptably high, 2.7 million in 2015. Efforts to achieve the new global goals for maternal and child survival will also prevent stillbirth and improve health and developmental outcomes. However, failure to consistently include global targets or indicators for stillbirth in post-2015 initiatives shows this issue remains hidden in the global agenda. This paper summarises findings from previous papers in this Series, presents new analyses, and proposes specific criteria for successful integration of stillbirths into post-2015 initiatives for women’s and children’s health. Five priority areas to “change the curve” include: (1) intentional leadership; (2) increased voice, especially of women; (3) implementation of integrated interventions with commensurate investment; (4) indicators to measure impact and especially to monitor progress; and (5) investigation of critical knowledge gaps. The post-2015 agenda represents opportunities for all stakeholders to act together to end all preventable deaths including stillbirths.