Strengthening accountability to end preventable maternal deaths

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Global Health
• Health Policy

Background:

• Preventable maternal deaths remain a significant global health challenge.
• Maternal death reviews are policy components in most countries, yet implementation is often insufficient.
• Lack of response mechanisms hinders progress in reducing maternal mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe efforts in revitalizing government accountability for preventable maternal deaths.
• To discuss the role of the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) system.
• To highlight MDSR's potential in preventing maternal deaths through improved care.

Main Methods:

• Review of national health policies concerning maternal death reviews.
• Analysis of the implementation gap in maternal death review recommendations.
• Description of the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) system framework.

Main Results:

• Maternal death reviews are widely adopted in policy but lack adequate implementation and follow-up.
• The MDSR system integrates surveillance with a crucial response component.
• MDSR offers timely data on the circumstances surrounding maternal deaths.

Conclusions:

• The MDSR system is vital for strengthening accountability in preventing maternal deaths.
• Effective implementation of MDSR can improve the quality of maternal healthcare.
• Strengthening national accountability through MDSR is key to ending preventable maternal deaths.