DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2026.v12i10.002

Pages: 1020-1023

Introduction: Perinatal mortality remains a significant public health problem despite global efforts to improve maternal and neonatal health. It is a key indicator of the quality of obstetric and neonatal care. Preventing this mortality requires a better understanding of the risk factors that can compromise the survival of the fetus and newborn. Objective: Determine the perinatal mortality rate and describe the characteristics of perinatal deaths in the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study conducted in maternity facilities in the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region during the period 2023–2025. All births registered during this period were included. The variables studied included stillbirths, early neonatal deaths occurring between 0 and 7 days of age, and the total number of births. Results: Between 2023 and 2025, the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region recorded a perinatal mortality rate of 2.47%. This rate was higher than the Moroccan national average of 2.07%. Regionally, the Marrakech-Safi region recorded a rate of 2.27%, while the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region had the lowest rate at 1.53%. Despite a relatively small population according to the 2024 General Population and Housing Census (RGPH 2024), the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region thus had the highest perinatal mortality rate in the country. Conclusion: Perinatal mortality remains high in the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region. Optimizing prenatal care, early management of high-risk pregnancies, and strengthening neonatal resuscitation capacity are essential measures to reduce this mortality and improve neonatal survival.