'Maternal deaths should simply be 0': politicization of maternal death reporting and review processes in Ethiopia

Health Policy and Planning
Andrea MelbergKaren Marie Moland

Abstract

The Maternal Death Surveillance and Response system (MDSR) was implemented in Ethiopia in 2013 to record and review maternal deaths. The overall aim of the system is to identify and address gaps in order to prevent future death but, to date, around 10% of the expected number of deaths are reported. This article examines practices and reasoning involved in maternal death reporting and review practices in Ethiopia, building on the concept of 'practical norms'. The study is based on multi-sited fieldwork at different levels of the Ethiopian health system including interviews, document analysis and observations, and has documented the politicized nature of MDSR implementation. Death reporting and review are challenged by the fact that maternal mortality is a main indicator of health system performance. Health workers and bureaucrats strive to balance conflicting demands when implementing the MDSR system: to report all deaths; to deliver perceived success in maternal mortality reduction by reporting as few deaths as possible; and to avoid personalized accountability for deaths. Fear of personal and political accountability for maternal deaths strongly influences not only reporting practices but also the care given in the study sites...Continue Reading

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Sep 12, 2018·Social Science & Medicine·Andrea MelbergKaren Marie Moland

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Citations

May 29, 2020·Global Health, Science and Practice·Abera Kenay TuraThomas van den Akker
Aug 11, 2020·Bulletin of the World Health Organization·Steffie HeemelaarShonag Mackenzie

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