Stillbirth conference aims to raise awarness

International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Wednesday, 22nd April 2009

A number of international charitable organisations are joining forces to examine the causes of prematurity and stillbirth in an attempt to identify and promote effective interventions.

The Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth (Gapps) is set to work with the World Health Organisation, Unicef, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, March of Dimes, Path and Save the Children to outline a roadmap for the future in this area.

An international conference is to be staged on prematurity and stillbirth in Seattle between May 7th and 10th at which maternal, newborn and child health leaders will raise awareness about the issue.

Gapps reports that more than three million stillbirths occur around the world every year and more than one million babies die because they were born prematurely.

Craig Rubens, executive director of the charity, says: "We simply cannot accept the immense suffering of families affected by prematurity and stillbirths.

"We are proud to bring together the best minds in science, public health, research and policy to help stop these devastating health problems."

According to Unicef executive director Ann Veneman, almost half of the global deaths among under-fives occur within the first 28 days of life