Maternal, perinatal and neonatal mortality in South-East Asia region

Abstract

South East Asia Region (SEAR) is one of the most populous world regions and also bears a disproportionate burden of mortality compared to other world regions. The purpose of this article was to analyze the situation of maternal, neonatal and perinatal health in SEAR to inform public health practitioners, program managers and policy makers about the situation in this world region. A secondary review of policy and programmatic documents published by ministries of health in SEAR countries, WHO, other UN agencies and peer reviewed journal articles in the area of maternal, child, neonatal and perinatal health published in the last five years was conducted. This article discusses the current situation of maternal, perinatal and neonatal health in SEAR countries, highlights some of the key challenges and provides recommendations to countries on the way forward for improving perinatal and maternal health. Key issues are discussed under the broad themes of improving maternal and perinatal health information systems, improving quality of care and human resource management. The article concludes that Health Systems Strengthening, Scaling up of Skilled Human Resource, Investing in information systems and improving the quality of maternal and neonatal care services are essential for future progress in countries but these are long term processes which need sustained commitment and ownership at all levels. © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information.