Approximately every 16 seconds a baby dies, before, during or shortly after birth globally. Over 98% of stillbirths and neonatal deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with over 75% in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Alongside prevention, providing respectful and appropriate bereavement support to parents is a key global priority for equitable care and outcomes. Previous studies in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya and Uganda, demonstrate limited bereavement support in facilities and stigma surrounding perinatal death in communities. There is an urgent need for context-appropriate interventions to improve emotional and psychological support for bereaved parents in these settings.
