Lessons learned from applying a "Rapid Maternal Death Surveillance and Response" tool in conflict-affected Tigray, Ethiopia

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025 Oct 6;25(Suppl 1):1017. doi: 10.1186/s12884-025-08182-y.

Abstract

Women in humanitarian settings face high maternal mortality, yet Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) systems are lacking. Medical teams in Tigray, Ethiopia, designed and piloted a rapid MDSR tool. The tool identified actions to improve maternity care within the humanitarian response. Adapted MDSR tools may be beneficial in humanitarian crises however further research is required.

Keywords: Anaemia; Humanitarian; MISP; MPDSR; Maternal health; Maternal mortality; Quality improvement; Tigray.

MeSH terms

  • Armed Conflicts*
  • Ethiopia / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maternal Death* / prevention & control
  • Maternal Death* / statistics & numerical data
  • Maternal Health Services* / organization & administration
  • Maternal Mortality*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Population Surveillance* / methods
  • Pregnancy
  • Relief Work* / organization & administration