Perinatal mortality and morbidity in developing countries. A global view.
Global perinatal mortality figures show that of the 132 million births per year, there are between 6 and 7 million perinatal deaths. While 90% of these births are in less developed countries, perinatal deaths take 98% of the global share. These statistics show on average the rates as they were in England during the 1930s. The most common recorded medical causes of perinatal deaths are also similar in the less developed countries, and the common denominators are early childbearing, poor maternal health and above all, the lack of appropriate and quality services. Although life-saving practices for most infants have been known for decades, currently a third of mothers still have no access to services during pregnancy, and almost half do not have access to services for childbirth. There are enormous variations both among and within countries. It takes innovation to find the best fit between the needs of women and infants and resources. A health worker with excellent knowledge and skills is the key resource and the best investment. The cost is moderate, and the investment pays a high dividend in improved health of both the mother and her baby, and better health for the next generation at lower cost.
Zupan
J
J
Organisation Mondiale de la Santé, Département Santé et Recherche Génésiques (RHR), Avenue Appia 20, CH 1211 Genève, Suisse. zupanj@who.int
D000328:Adult; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D009017:Morbidity; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy