Despite a tremendous increase in financial resources, many countries are not on track to achieve the child and maternal mortality targets set out in the Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5. It is commonly argued that two main social factors - improved democratic governance and aggregate income - will ultimately lead to progress in reducing child and maternal mortality. However, these two facto...

In Malawi the maternal mortality ratio is extremely high. Since almost all maternal deaths are avoidable, maternal mortality is also an issue of human rights. This paper examines the root causes of high maternal mortality in Malawi and applies a human rights-based approach to the reduction of maternal mortality. It recommends roles for the various duty-bearers. It describes indicators to monito...

Anemia in pregnancy has been a long talked about problem. In India, anemia is the second most common cause of maternal mortality, affecting around 84% of pregnant women and accounting for about 20% of the total maternal deaths. Despite massive efforts, it continues to be a major cause of morbidity as well, especially in pregnant females, which in turn bears consequences on the physical and ment...

Submitted Chapter 5

A confidential system of enquiry into maternal mortality was introduced in Malaysia in 1991. The methods used and the findings obtained up to 1994 are reported below and an outline is given of the resulting recommendations and actions.