Robust monitoring of maternal health data
Accurate measurement of maternal mortality is a challenge. Many maternal deaths around the world are uncounted and if counted, many are misclassified.
WHO is working with Member States and other partners through the Quality of Care network to develop standard indicators and tools that collect, analyse and interpret data on maternal health quality of care, programmes and policies. These include a revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases specifically for maternal mortality (ICD-MM).
WHO is also helping Member States to collect at least the minimum information on every birth and death. For births this includes place of delivery, mode of delivery, weight, gestational age, and outcome. Deaths, including stillbirths, should be reviewed, with recommendations made and implemented as part of supportive reporting policies.
Robust measurement lets countries improve the quality of care, effectively allocate resources, and prevent future suffering and death. This moves all populations towards the global targets which underpin the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring no one is left behind.
