A new continental report has exposed the scale of Africa’s stillbirth crisis, revealing that nearly one million babies die before birth each year, many of which are never officially recorded. The study, conducted across 33 African Union countries, shows that fragmented data systems and outdated reporting practices leave countless losses invisible. While some nations have begun strengthening their policies and health strategies, inconsistent definitions and weak coordination continue to obscure the true burden of stillbirths. The report categorizes countries by readiness, highlighting both progress and persistent gaps, and stresses that reliable data is essential for improving maternal and newborn care. By counting every stillbirth, leaders can better prevent avoidable deaths and ensure that no family’s grief goes unnoticed.
The Conversation
