Evaluation of Maternal Death Surveillance and Response System in Dewachefa District, Oromia Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2018
Abstract Background Maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) is the “litmus test” of the health system that provides evidence for accomplishment, and provides information in real time and allows improvement towards catching all maternal mortalities. The aim of study was to evaluate maternal death surveillance and response system in Dewachefa. Methods A cross sectional study design was conducted in two health centers, five health post, district health office and from these facilities 32 health workers were included. Data were collected through focal person, health worker and health extension worker interview by using checklist. Collected data were entered into Epi data version 3.1. These data were exported to statistical package for social science for analysis. Analyzed data were presented in the form of text, table and figures. Result The overall knowledge of health professionals and health extension workers on MDSR were 40.9% and 40% respectively. The sensitivity of surveillance system was 3/5(60%). In public health emergency management (PHEM) unit, its representativeness was 3/17 (17.6%). All maternal deaths were notified after 8 day of death. The overall knowledge of Health professionals and health extension workers on MDSR was lower. The surveillance system is not sensitive, timeliness and representative. The System is not sustainable/ not standardized. More work should be needed to improve the sensitivity, representativeness, timeliness and sustainable of the surveillance system.