Opportunities and Challenges in Global Perinatal Research

Abstract

Background: The global plight of stillbirths and neonatal mortality is concentrated in low- and middle-income countries. The ambitious targets introduced by the World Health Organization in the Every Newborn Action Plan demand a commitment to research that promotes equitable perinatal outcomes. Objectives: The aim of this review was to understand the opportunities for global perinatal research and the accompanying challenges. Methods: We conducted a literature search to identify research prioritization exercises from 2014 to 2018 pertaining to global perinatal health. The top 50 questions with the highest research prioritization scores were extracted and analyzed. Results: The greatest priorities centered on community-based, implementation research targeting major causes of stillbirth and neonatal mortality in low-resource settings. The priorities are saddled with prerequisite conditions, design obstacles, and ethical considerations that require attention. Conclusions: While the challenges are undeniable, the need to make the perinatal period healthier for babies worldwide has never been clearer.