Improving Maternal Mortality Tracking via Informatics in African Health Systems

Abstract

Maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge across sub-Saharan Africa, where over 70% of global maternal deaths occur. Traditional paper-based tracking systems contribute to underreporting and delayed response. This white paper highlights how digital health informatics, including mobile tools, real-time dashboards, and integrated health information systems, can significantly improve maternal mortality tracking and response in Africa. Case studies from Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda are examined to illustrate scalable and context-appropriate strategies.

Introduction

According to the World Health Organization (2023), approximately 800 women die each day globally due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth—two-thirds of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Most of these deaths are preventable with timely care and accurate data.

Maternal mortality tracking is critical for:

• Real-time intervention and alerts

• Resource allocation

• Health systems accountability

• Policy formulation

Health informatics—the intersection of data science, information systems, and healthcare—offers tools and strategies that can digitize, automate, and accelerate maternal mortality surveillance.

Why Tracking Matters

Common Causes of Maternal Mortality:

• Postpartum hemorrhage

• Hypertensive disorders (e.g., eclampsia)

• Sepsis

• Unsafe abortion

• Obstructed labor

Without accurate tracking:

• Deaths are underreported

• Delays in response systems persist

• Trends and geographic hotspots are not mapped

• National planning is reactive, not preventive

Informatics Tools That Improve Tracking

Case Studies

🇰🇪 Kenya – DHIS2-Enabled Maternal Health Surveillance

• The Ministry of Health integrates maternal health modules within DHIS2.

• Real-time dashboards are used to monitor indicators like skilled birth attendance and maternal deaths.

📖 Source: Kenya Ministry of Health (2021). https://www.health.go.ke

🇳🇬 Nigeria – mHealth for MDSR

• With support from WHO and Jhpiego, Nigeria rolled out mobile MDSR apps across 10 states.

• Health workers use Android phones to report maternal deaths with GPS and cause-of-death info.

📖 Source: WHO Africa. (2022). https://www.afro.who.int

🇷🇼 Rwanda – Real-Time Maternal Alerts System

• The Ministry of Health, with Babyl and Partners In Health, deployed a maternal emergency alert system via SMS and electronic health records.

• Alerts are sent to district hospitals when danger signs are detected.

📖 Source: Rwanda Biomedical Centre (2023). https://www.rbc.gov.rw

Benefits of Using Informatics in Maternal Mortality Tracking

Barriers to Implementation

1. Low Internet and Power Access in rural health centers

2. Limited Digital Skills among midwives and CHWs

3. Data Privacy & Consent concerns

4. Lack of Real-Time Connectivity between facilities and national servers

5. Fragmented Systems that don’t talk to each other

Recommendations

1. Adopt Digital MDSR Platforms

• Transition paper-based maternal death reviews into digital workflows

• Standardize reporting formats across health tiers

2. Train Health Workers

• Provide capacity-building on using apps, tablets, dashboards, and analytics

3. Integrate with DHIS2

• Build interoperability between local EMRs and national health info systems

4. Use USSD/SMS for Last-Mile Reporting

• Ensure low-bandwidth options for rural reporting

5. Ensure Data Governance

• Create clear policies on who owns, accesses, and protects maternal data

Future Outlook

With advances in AI-assisted analytics, cloud-based surveillance, and community-linked reporting, African countries can halve maternal deaths by 2030 if data systems are modernized. Public-private partnerships, donor support, and government leadership are key to sustaining these gains.

References (APA 7th Edition)

Jhpiego. (2022). Maternal Death Surveillance Response in Nigeria.
https://www.jhpiego.org/

Kenya Ministry of Health. (2021). Kenya Health Sector Strategic Plan.
https://www.health.go.ke

Rwanda Biomedical Centre. (2023). Digital maternal health surveillance.
https://www.rbc.gov.rw

World Health Organization. (2023). Trends in maternal mortality: 2000 to 2020.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240076525

World Health Organization. (2016). WHO maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) technical guidance.
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/249524