Stillbirth rates in the Netherlands have plummeted over the past two decades—from 1,000 in 2000 to around 400 in recent years.
UNICEF's international research highlights the Netherlands as a leader in proportional reductions in stillbirths, according to NOS.nl.
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UNICEF credits targeted policy measures, enhanced support for vulnerable pregnant women, and greater emphasis on healthy lifestyles for this progress.
Globally, stillbirths have fallen 35% to about 2 million annually, with the highest rates in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
The coronavirus pandemic threatens to reverse these gains, as reduced access to healthcare is expected to drive up stillbirth numbers in the coming year.
