Maternal and Newborn Health Research Roundup – November 2025
Summary
This month’s research summary features new evidence on: the compounded risks of adverse neonatal outcomes when prenatal depression co-occurs with diabetes or hypertension; variability in the implementation of MPDSR systems across Ugandan referral hospitals; the mortality-reducing potential of mass azithromycin administration to infants in high-burden settings in Mali; the relative contributions of maternity care improvements, fertility decline, and contraceptive use to global reductions in maternal mortality from 2000–2023; and global consensus on 26 priority indicators for assessing quality of care for small and sick newborns in health facilities.
1.
Prenatal depression comorbid with diabetes or hypertension and the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized observational studies examining whether prenatal depression in the presence of maternal comorbidities (diabetes or hypertension) increases risk of adverse neonatal outcomes (e.g. preterm birth, low birth weight, neonatal morbidity). The pooled evidence indicates that women with combined depression and metabolic or hypertensive disorders have elevated risk—above that of either condition alone—for adverse neonatal outcomes, though effect sizes vary across outcomes and studies. The authors highlight the need for integrated screening and management of mental health alongside chronic disease in pregnancy to reduce neonatal risk. (November 2025)
2.
A practical approach to measuring MPDSR implementation: findings from a cross-sectional assessment in regional referral hospitals in Uganda
This cross-sectional assessment in Uganda evaluated the implementation status of maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR) systems in regional referral hospitals. The study found substantial variability in completeness of death reviews, timeliness of reporting, and actionable recommendations issued. Hospitals with stronger leadership, dedicated resources, and regular audit meetings had better implementation metrics. The authors argue for standardised monitoring frameworks and improved institutional commitment to strengthen MPDSR systems. (October 2025)
3.
Mass Administration of Azithromycin to Infants in Mali to Reduce Mortality
This randomized controlled trial in Mali assessed the effect of mass administration of azithromycin to infants on overall mortality. The intervention resulted in a significant reduction in all-cause mortality compared to placebo over the follow-up period. The authors suggest that targeted antibiotic administration may yield benefit in high-mortality contexts but caution regarding antibiotic resistance and call for further long-term safety monitoring. (October 2025)
4.
Effect of maternity care improvement, fertility decline, and contraceptive use on global maternal mortality reduction between 2000 and 2023: results from a decomposition analysis
This global decomposition analysis quantified how three drivers—maternity care improvement, fertility decline, and contraceptive use—contributed to maternal mortality reductions across 2000–2023. Using WHO and UNFPA datasets, the model estimated that maternity care improvements explained 46 % of deaths averted, fertility decline 32 %, and contraceptive use 22 %. The largest relative contributions occurred in East and Southern Africa and South Asia. The study underscores the need to sustain gains through integrated maternal health and family planning investments. (November 2025)
5.
Global prioritised indicators for measuring WHO’s quality-of-care standards for small and/or sick newborns in health facilities: development, global consultation and expert consensus
Through a Delphi-style expert consultation and validation process across 54 countries, WHO and partners identified 26 priority indicators to measure quality-of-care standards for small and/or sick newborns. The indicators span domains of clinical care, experience of care, and facility readiness, balancing global comparability with country feasibility. The authors emphasize that adoption of this standardized indicator set can improve accountability, benchmarking, and quality improvement in neonatal care globally.