Stillbirths: The Neglected Epidemic of Silent Loss

Anna Maria Lavezzi — 2025-07-31

Each year, an estimated 2.6 million third-trimester stillbirths occur globally, 98% in low- and middle-income countries, yet this profound loss remains absent from major global health priorities. Stillbirths are not included in the Global Burden of Disease, disability-adjusted life years, or most international development goals [1]. In public health discourse, they are largely invisible. For affected families, the consequences extend beyond grief. In many regions, the loss of a stillborn child is compounded by social stigma, blame, and isolation. Rituals of mourning are often denied. Babies are not named or held, and their deaths are attributed to fate, sin, or spiritual causes. This erasure leaves women unsupported and silenced [2].

Despite perceptions of inevitability, many stillbirths are preventable. Over 1 million intrapartum stillbirths occur annually, often in settings where basic emergency obstetric care, infection screening, and nutrition programs could save lives. Evidence supports the impact of periconceptional folic acid supplementation, malaria prevention, syphilis treatment, and improved antenatal monitoring. In 68 priority countries, broad implementation of these interventions could reduce stillbirths by up to 45% [3]. However, progress is slow. Stillbirth reduction is not consistently included in national health strategies, and data remain scarce. In many countries, less than 5% of stillbirths are officially registered [4]. Without consistent classification and recording, intervention efforts are poorly targeted and their impact under measured.

Every Newborn Action Plan targets 12 or fewer stillbirths per 1,000 births by 2030, but at least 56 countries will need to more than double their current rate of progress. Achieving this goal requires political will, investment, and integration of stillbirth prevention into broader maternal and neonatal care frameworks [5].

We must insist on recognition, registration, and research. Governments must be held accountable for counting and reporting stillbirths. Interventions must be expanded, and community beliefs must be addressed with empathy and evidence. Every stillbirth is a human tragedy—and a signal of systemic failure. More than 7,000 families each day experience the reality of stillbirth. These losses must no longer be met with silence. Acknowledging the scale and causes of stillbirth is the first step toward prevention, justice, and healing.

The Effectiveness of Myofascial Release in Managing Pain, Improving Mental Health and Quality of Life in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Narrative Review

Gulzar Ahmad — 2025-07-31

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, mental health issues, and reduced quality of life. Myofascial release (MFR) has emerged as a potential treatment, targeting fascia to release tension and promote relaxation. This narrative review explores the impact of MFR on fibromyalgia symptoms, evaluating its efficacy, long-term effects, and comparative effectiveness. A comprehensive review of 14 studies published between 2021 and 2025 was conducted, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, systematic reviews, and case series. The results demonstrated that MFR significantly reduced pain intensity, improved mental health, and enhanced quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Specifically, MFR was associated with reduced pain, improved sleep quality, and better functional ability. The benefits of MFR were observed in various study designs, providing a promising approach for managing fibromyalgia symptoms. While MFR is a valuable addition to multidirectional treatment plans for fibromyalgia, further research is needed to establish standardized protocols. This review provides insights into MFR benefits and limitations, guiding clinical practice and future research. The findings suggest that MFR can be an effective treatment option for managing fibromyalgia symptoms, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. However, additional high-quality research is necessary to confirm the long-term efficacy and optimal application of MFR in clinical practice. By informing clinical practice and guiding future research, this review aims to contribute to the development of effective treatment strategies for fibromyalgia management. Overall, MFR shows promise in alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms and improving patient outcomes.

Pakistan BioMedical Journal

Stillbirths: The Neglected Epidemic of Silent Loss

The Effectiveness of Myofascial Release in Managing Pain, Improving Mental Health and Quality of Life in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Narrative Review