The Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 reveals a significant yet uneven decline in stillbirths worldwide from 1990 to 2021, with the global stillbirth rate at 20 weeks’ gestation or longer decreasing by 39.8%, from 5.08 million in 1990 to 3.04 million in 2021. Despite this progress, the reduction in stillbirths lagged behind the 45.6% decline in neonatal deaths over the same period. The study highlights stark regional disparities, with South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 77.4% of global stillbirths in 2021, up from 60.3% in 1990.
The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in these regions to address the persistent high rates of stillbirths, particularly those occurring between 20 and 28 weeks’ gestation, which constituted 30.5% of the global total in 2021. The study emphasizes the importance of improving access to quality maternal healthcare, addressing socioeconomic disparities, and enhancing data collection and reporting systems to better monitor and prevent stillbirths.