INSTITUTIONAL MATERNAL MORTALITY IN MALI

Objectives: To measure the institutional maternal mortality ratio (MMR ) in Mali and suggest ways to reduce it. Methods: Routinely recorded d ata from 24 health institutions in three regions were reviewed for 198 8 to 1992. Results. The overall MMR in the institutions was 201 matern al deaths per 100 000 live births. Hemorrhage, toxemia and infections accounted for 80% of the 360 recorded maternal deaths, almost all of w hich were preventable. The main reasons why these conditions result in death lie in poor quality and maldistribution of health services, lac k of transport and late use of allopathic services. Conclusions: Mater nal mortality is still a major public health problem in Mali, even amo ng the small proportion of women who reach health facilities. Substant ial new initiatives are urgently needed to reduce this major cause of preventable adult female mortality.