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The magnitude of the maternal mortality problem in sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Boerma, Ties

Abstract

Estimates of national levels of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa are based on limited and defective data and subject to considerable discussion. In this paper, existing data from several sources are reviewed. The attempt has been made to assess the level of maternal mortality by studying the relative importance of maternal death, health services coverage data, perinatal mortality, causes of maternal death and traditional birth practices. It is concluded that national levels of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa most likely vary from 250 to 700 per 100,000 live births, in proportion to the variation in overall levels of mortality in the countries. There is a need for more studies either based on data from peripheral hospitals or on community surveys. Such studies should analyse coverage of deliveries, coverage of maternal deaths, causes of maternal deaths, socioeconomic differentials, perinatal mortality and should pay special attention to the increasing problem of abortion-related mortality.

Suggested Citation

  • Boerma, Ties, 1987. "The magnitude of the maternal mortality problem in sub-Saharan Africa," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 24(6), pages 551-558, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:24:y:1987:i:6:p:551-558
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    Cited by:

    1. Brass, William & Graham, Wendy J., 1988. "Evaluación del trabajo de campo del método de la sobrevivencia de hermanas para medir la mortalidad materna," Notas de Población, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), August.
    2. Xiaoyu Wu & Lixing Li, 2012. "Family size and maternal health: evidence from the One-Child policy in China," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 25(4), pages 1341-1364, October.
    3. Reid, Alice & Garrett, Eilidh, 2018. "Medical provision and urban-rural differences in maternal mortality in late nineteenth century Scotland," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 201(C), pages 35-43.

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