Prior to this collaboration, the most recent formal analysis of maternal deaths was 2012-2014. In the interim, data collection methods were digitalised (MATSurvey platform), and a new classification system for determining cause of maternal deaths was implemented in Malawi (WHO-ICD-10MM).
The production of the report relied on routinely collected data from the clinical records of women who died in the peripartum period (during pregnancy or up to 42 days from the end of a pregnancy) accessed through the MATSurvey digital maternal health surveillance platform which captures data from 33 facilities across Malawi and includes data from their surrounding primary healthcare facilities. Report authors reviewed the case narratives provided for each death and verified or reassigned cause of death as necessary.
Findings from the report informed the Safe Motherhood prioritisation exercise which took place in Salima in May 2023, leading to identification of 3 key areas for focus to improve maternal health across Malawi. The report is now being used by a wide range of individuals and organisations seeking to improve healthcare nationally. It is available from http://mdmalawi.net
