Transitioning to the maternal death surveillance and response system from maternal death review in Ghana: Challenges and lessons learned

Abstract

Objective: To assess the current system of maternal death review (MDR) in Ghana and identify the achievements, challenges, and gaps that will assist in transitioning to the maternal death surveillance and response system (MDSR).

Methods: A secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study on MDSR implementation was conducted between September and October 2018. The MDSR cycle served as an analytical framework to measure the country's performance in implementing MDSR. Common facilitating or hindering factors were also identified.

Results: The MDR system is moderately strong at regional level with timely receipt of data and regular review meetings and reports in most regions. At district level the MDR system is less well implemented, although there is evidence of good communication with regional teams in providing timely data. Communication between districts and communities about maternal deaths seemed to be poor in general. There was no MDR committee at national level and the recommendations made were poorly implemented.

Conclusion: MDRs in Ghana were structurally sound, but recommendations were poorly implemented. Leadership at the national level needs to be developed to ensure that the current system could transition to an MDSR system.

Keywords: Ghana; MDSR; maternal death review; maternal death surveillance and response.