Bahl R, et al. - In this prospective cohort study, researchers sought for high quality data about the burden, timing, and causes of maternal deaths, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. They performed this study in 11 community-based research sites. More than three-quarters of maternal deaths and stillbirths were attributed to obstetric haemorrhage, non-obstetric complications, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and pregnancy-related infections. Perinatal asphyxia and severe neonatal infections, followed by complications of preterm birth, comprised the most common causes of neonatal deaths. On account of continuously rising mortality rates, there is a need for programmes in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia to further intensify their efforts. Findings call for improved quality of maternal intrapartum care and immediate newborn care. To achieve survival goals in the Sustainable Development Goals era, it is critical to ensure efforts to address perinatal asphyxia and newborn infections, as well as preterm birth.