Abstract
ObjectiveTo assess the reliability of maternal deaths surveillance system (MDSS) and to determine the factors that influence its completeness in one region of Morocco.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective survey in “Gharb Chrarda Bni Hssen” region (GCBH) between January the 1st, 2013 and September the 30th, 2014 using multiple sources approach. All deaths of women of reproductive age (WRA) were investigated using certificates with medical cause, medical records and interviews with household members and relatives to ascertain a pregnancy-related or maternal death. An External Expert Committee reviewed the information collected to assign a cause for each death. Our results were compared to those reported in the same period by the MDSS.FindingsOur study identified 690 deaths of WRA and 69 maternal deaths of which 34.8% occurred outside health facilities. The MDSS recorded during the study period 538 deaths of WRA and 29 maternal deaths (including only one outside health facility) representing respectively an underreporting of 22.0% and 58.0%. Late maternal deaths represented 11.4% of all deaths of women with a registered pregnancy within 12 months prior to the death, while the MDSS identified none. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was estimated at 103, approximately 2.5 times higher than that reported in the MDSS.ConclusionOur study has shown weaknesses in the current notification system for maternal deaths in the region of GCBH. Therefore, more attention must be given to the regional committees in charge of auditing the cases and defining actions to be implemented to prevent further maternal deaths.
Highlights
To achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), countries and international agencies were committed to monitor progress in maternal mortality reduction (MDG 5) [1, 2]
Our study has shown weaknesses in the current notification system for maternal deaths in the region of GCBH
During the transition to the Sustainable Development Goals, it has been proposed that progress towards ending preventable maternal deaths should continue to be measured by monitoring the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) [4,5,6]
Summary
To achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), countries and international agencies were committed to monitor progress in maternal mortality reduction (MDG 5) [1, 2]. The World Health Organization (WHO) together, with its associated agencies, launched the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) policy in 2012, as the new standard for a more accurate monitoring of countries’ progress [7,8,9]. The implementation of this system is underway in 103 low and middle income countries [10]. The status of implementation varies widely between countries and many countries are experiencing significant challenges and barriers, such as inefficient and incomplete notification systems, the absence of a legal framework, a culture of blame, and lack of resources [10]
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