Why Focus on Preterm Birth and Stillbirth?

Globally, more newborns die each year from prematurity than from any other cause. Additionally, a staggering one million stillbirths happen just minutes or hours before birth every year—many of these losses are linked to maternal deaths. Nearly 200 global stakeholders have outlined what needs to be done in a Global Action Agenda.

Key goals of the 2015 Global Action Agenda

• Reduce the13M preterm births and 3M stillbirths that occur each year around the world
• Improve survival for babies born too soon
• Accelerate progress on Millennium Development Goals to improve maternal and child health