Every year, thousands of families face the unimaginable heartbreak of stillbirth, a tragedy that leaves an indelible mark on parents and communities alike. But what if we could prevent many of these losses? Dr. Keeth Mayakaduwage, a leading researcher and recipient of the AMA’s Women’s Health Award, is at the forefront of this critical mission. His recent work on Victoria’s Safer Baby Bundle program has uncovered groundbreaking findings that could reshape how we approach stillbirth prevention globally.
Published on February 25, 2026, Dr. Mayakaduwage’s research, conducted alongside senior author Associate Professor Miranda Davies-Tuck, reveals that the implementation of the Safer Baby Bundle was linked to a notable reduction in stillbirth rates and a statistically significant decrease in overall perinatal mortality. But here’s where it gets even more impactful: these results were achieved without increasing unintended harms such as caesarean sections, labor inductions, preterm births, or neonatal intensive care admissions.
The Safer Baby Bundle, developed by the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, is a comprehensive toolkit of evidence-based clinical guidelines and educational resources designed for clinicians and pregnant women. Its goal? To tackle the preventable causes of stillbirth head-on. Dr. Mayakaduwage’s team evaluated the program through three interconnected studies published in The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, examining its effectiveness in reducing stillbirth and perinatal mortality, altering the causes of perinatal deaths, and ensuring equitable benefits across diverse population groups.
And this is the part most people miss: while the program showed remarkable success overall, its benefits were not evenly distributed. Dr. Mayakaduwage noted that several migrant groups saw no improvement, and perinatal mortality rates among Indigenous women actually increased during the study period. This disparity highlights a critical challenge in healthcare: one-size-fits-all solutions often fall short for marginalized communities.
In response, the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth has adapted the Safer Baby Bundle specifically for Indigenous women and migrant and refugee communities in Australia. Dr. Mayakaduwage emphasized that these culturally tailored versions were developed after the initial evaluation, and ongoing assessments will be crucial to determine their effectiveness in improving outcomes and equity.
But here’s the controversial question: Are culturally adapted programs enough to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities, or do we need systemic changes to address the root causes of inequity? Dr. Mayakaduwage’s work invites us to consider this deeply.
As we celebrate the progress made by the Safer Baby Bundle, it’s essential to acknowledge the leadership of Safer Care Victoria and the Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity in rolling out the program across Victoria. Their efforts, combined with Dr. Mayakaduwage’s research, are integral to the National Stillbirth Action and Implementation Plan, a broader initiative aimed at reducing stillbirth rates nationwide.
This research isn’t just about numbers—it’s about saving lives, preventing heartbreak, and ensuring every baby has the best chance at a healthy start. What do you think? Are we doing enough to address healthcare inequities, or is there more work to be done? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep this vital conversation going.
