Perinatal mortality refers to the death of a fetus or neonate and is the basis to calculate the perinatal mortality rate. The perinatal period is the most vulnerable period in the life of an individual and the rate of death during this period is higher than at any other period of life. Deaths during this short period equal the rate of death over the next forty year period. Social, cultural, environmental and genetic factors all play vital roles in determining the outcome of this period of life. Perinatal mortality is at an unacceptably high level in low income countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa and south central.
