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. 2019 Sep 2;11(5):353-357.
doi: 10.1093/inthealth/ihz058.

Happy Mother's Day? Maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries

Nynke van den Broek  1
Affiliations

Happy Mother's Day? Maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries

Nynke van den Broek. Int Health. .

Abstract

At least 800 women die each day during pregnancy or birth and more than 15 000 babies each day are stillborn or die in the first month of life. Almost all of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Many more women and babies are known to suffer morbidity as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. However, reliable estimates of the burden of physical, psychological and social morbidity and comorbidity during and after pregnancy are not available. Although there is no single intervention or 'magic bullet' that would reduce mortality and improve health, there are evidence-based care packages which are defined and agreed internationally. A functioning health system with care available and accessible for everyone at all times is required to ensure women and babies survive and thrive.

Keywords: Low- and middle-income countries; maternal morbidity; maternal mortality; neonatal morbidity; neonatal mortality.

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