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Review
. 2022 Dec 13:32:100653.
doi: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100653. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Improving maternal and newborn health and reducing stillbirths in the Western Pacific Region - current situation and the way forward

Lisa M Vallely  1   2 , Boe Calvert  2 , Manarangi De Silva  3   4 , Leeanne Panisi  5 , Delly Babona  6 , John Bolnga  7   8 , Titilola Duro-Aina  9 , Amanda Noovao-Hill  10 , Swaran Naidu  11 , Susannah Leisher  12   13 , Vicki Flenady  14 , Rachel M Smith  2 , Joshua P Vogel  2 , Caroline S E Homer  2
Affiliations
Review

Improving maternal and newborn health and reducing stillbirths in the Western Pacific Region - current situation and the way forward

Lisa M Vallely et al. Lancet Reg Health West Pac. .

Abstract

Despite positive trends in many indicators, there remains an unacceptable burden of preventable maternal, newborn deaths and stillbirths every year. This paper provides an overview of the maternal and perinatal outcomes across 22 Pacific Island Countries and Territories, including Papua New Guinea. We highlight some unique challenges and provide examples of initiatives in three of the larger countries to contribute to safer childbirth. There are high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates in many of the countries, although reliable data are limited. There are currently no data relating to the burden of intrapartum-related maternal and perinatal morbidity or stillbirth or the quality of intrapartum care. Varying definitions across countries for perinatal indicators mean that meaningful comparisons are difficult and unreliable. There is need for midwives and other maternal and newborn health providers to improve maternal and newborn indicators as countries advance towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Keywords: Maternal health; Morbidity; Neonatal health; Pacific island countries and territories; Pacific region; Quality of care; Stillbirth.

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Conflict of interest statement

We declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Global scorecard for ending preventable stillbirths: Western Pacific, 2022.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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