evidence: Maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination: from protecting women and newborns to protecting all [...] Abstract: A total of 35 of the 59 countries that had not eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) as a public health problem in 1999 have since achieved the MNT-elimination goal. Neonatal tetanus deaths have decreased globally from 200,000 in 2000 to 49,000 in 2013. This is the result of increased immunization coverage with tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines among pregnant women, improved access to skilled birth attendance during delivery, and targeted campaigns with these vaccines for women of reproductive age in high-risk areas. In the process, inequities have been reduced, private–public partnerships fostered, and innovations triggered. However, lack of funding, poor accessibility to some areas, suboptimal surveillance, and a perceived low priority for the disease are among the main obstacles. To ensure MNT elimination is sustained, countries must build and maintain strong routine programs that reach people with vaccination and with clean deliveries. This should also be an opportunity to shift programs into preventing tetanus among all people. Regular assessments, and where needed appropriate action, are key to prevent increases in MNT incidence over time, especially in areas that are at higher risk. [...] In order to accelerate progress, the WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA relaunched in 1999 the "Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination" initiative with a focus on 57 priority countries that had not yet eliminated MNT.4 Due to geopolitical divisions in 2002 and 2011, two more countries (Timor-Leste and South Sudan) were added to the list, thus totaling 59 priority countries.