A comparison of approaches to measuring maternal mortality in Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Bolivia

BACKGROUND: Many low- and middle-income countries cannot measure maternal mortality to monitor progress against global and country-specific targets. While the ultimate goal for these countries is to have complete civil registrations systems, other interim strategies are needed to provide timely estimates of maternal mortality. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to inform on potential options for measuring maternal mortality. METHODS: This paper uses a case study approach to compare methodologies and estimates of pregnancy-related mortality ratio (PRMR)/maternal mortality ratio (MMR) obtained from four different data sources from similar time periods in Bangladesh, Mozambique, and Bolivia-national population census; post-census mortality survey; household sample survey; and sample vital registration system (SVRS). RESULTS: For Bangladesh, PRMR from the 2011 census falls closely in line with…