Advocacy

Preventing preterm births and stillbirths is difficult because causes are poorly understood and awareness is low. There are also few easy solutions, making it difficult for policymakers and other leaders to commit resources. Moving forward, we must raise awareness of the magnitude of this problem and show how prevention will lead to overall improvements in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH).

What are the key challenges?

• Lack of data (e.g., make every birth count)
• Lack of awareness and understanding for policymakers and others
• Lack of low-cost, effective and scalable interventions

What can be done to improve visibility, fuel investments, and strengthen commitments?

• Link preterm birth and stillbirth to the Millennium Development Goals
• Include preterm birth and stillbirth in the broader global health discussions
• Promote a united voice among MNCH advocates
• Include parents in the MNCH discussions to personalize these tragedies
• Engage champions

GAPPS is currently developing an advocacy plan and campaign to raise awareness and influence policy.

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