Impediments to maternal mortality reduction in Africa: a systemic and socioeconomic overview

Maternal mortality is nowadays more of a problem of developing countries especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Maternal mortality has to large extent been eliminated in developed countries and has drastically been reduced in many other regions of the world. The maternal mortality rate (MMR) available in the literature from Africa is not a true reflection of the actual MMR as it is derived from institutional studies. The causes of maternal mortality in SSA are the same as those in developed countries. The means of addressing maternal mortality used in developed countries are the same as those used in developing countries, however, the success levels are not the same. There are various impediments to reducing maternal mortality with roots in cultural, social, economic and systemic factors prevalent in SSA. An in-depth study of these factors will give an insight as to why maternal mortality reduction has remained an enigma in SSA. Analyzing these factors will guide us to design and implement measures that will in the long run lead to significant maternal mortality reduction in SSA. The aim of this review is to identify impediments to maternal mortality reduction in SSA and highlight measures that can lead to maternal mortality reduction.