Reducing stillbirth rate to 10 by 2030: Target set at SBSI annual meet

According to the World Health Organization, a baby who dies after 28 weeks of pregnancy, but before or during birth, is classified as a stillbirth.

Hyderabad: The second annual Stillbirth Society of India (SBSI) Conference is being organized by Fernandez Hospital Educational and Research Foundation (FHERF) in collaboration with the SBSI. The event focuses on reducing India’s stillbirth rate to 10 per 1,000 births by 2030.

According to the World Health Organization, a baby who dies after 28 weeks of pregnancy, but before or during birth, is classified as a stillbirth. Currently, India’s stillbirth rate stands at 13.9 per 1,000 births, higher than the global average of 9.

Dr. Neelam Agarwal, President of SBSI, emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “improving access to high-quality maternal and neonatal healthcare is essential to reducing stillbirths in India. We need to ensure that every mother receives proper care, and every baby has a fighting chance at life.”

The conference, which began on Friday, has drawn over 200 healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Led by a global faculty, it features workshops and discussions focused on policy reform, healthcare improvements, and community outreach.

The event aims to strengthen partnerships and share innovative solutions for reducing stillbirths across India.