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Related Experiment Videos

Reducing maternal mortality: can we derive policy guidance from developing country experiences?

Jerker Liljestrand1, Indra Pathmanathan

  • 1Department of Community Medicine, Lund University, Malmö University Hospital, Sweden. jerker.liljestrand@smi.mas.lu.se

Journal of Public Health Policy
|February 3, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Developing countries can significantly reduce maternal mortality by focusing on skilled birth attendance. Modest investments in maternal health services are affordable and achievable within a decade.

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Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Global Health
  • Health Policy

Background:

  • Developing nations struggle to meet the Millennium Development Goal for reducing maternal mortality.
  • Key debates surround the feasibility and affordability of achieving these targets within the timeframe.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze successful strategies for reducing maternal mortality in developing countries.
  • To identify key interventions and investment levels required for significant declines in maternal mortality ratios.

Main Methods:

  • Examined historical data from Malaysia and Sri Lanka on maternal mortality ratio (MMR) reduction over 50 years.
  • Analyzed experiences from Bolivia, China (Yunan), Egypt, and Jamaica regarding MMR decline.
  • Assessed investment levels (as % of GDP) and healthcare system approaches in these countries.

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Main Results:

  • Malaysia and Sri Lanka halved their MMR every 7-10 years, reducing it from over 500 to below 50.
  • Other developing countries achieved similar reductions (halving MMR in <10 years) from levels of 200-300.
  • Modest investment (<0.4% GDP) in maternal health, focusing on skilled birth attendance, was key.

Conclusions:

  • Reducing maternal mortality is achievable and affordable within a decade in developing countries.
  • Key strategies include professionalizing midwifery, monitoring births/deaths, health system strengthening, and addressing disparities for vulnerable populations.
  • Ensuring access to and removing barriers for skilled birth attendance is crucial for success.