Where and when do they die?

The riskiest day to die is that on which you are born, and 40% of newborn deaths occur at this time.

Ten countries account for around two-thirds of the world’s neonatal deaths and stillbirths. However, total population size and a high birth rate are not simple or direct explanations for this. Some very populous nations have quite rapidly reduced their risk of neonatal mortality over time through successful implementation of family planning strategies, for example.

We know it is important to understand where and when these deaths occur, so why do you think birth is the riskiest time of life for death and future disability? How can an increased focus on quality of care at birth offer a return on investment?