Strengthening Maternal Death Surveillance Systems for Evidence-Based Decision Making in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of the Center Region in Cameroon.

Background: The article seeks to document the experience of implementing Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) in the Center Region of Cameroon. The paper raises awareness on the need for implementing MDSR, shares progress and lessons learned and reflects on the implications for public health practice.

Methods: A desk research involving the collection and analysis of secondary data using tables with specific themes in excel, following the review of existing resources at the Regional Delegation of Public Health-Center from the year 2016 to 2019.

An assessment of antiretroviral drug initiation to pregnant women of unknown HIV status during labour and delivery in Cameroon.

Background: Evidence from previous research has shown that antiretroviral (ARV) drug initiation to seropositive pregnant women could significantly contribute to eliminating new paediatric infections even when started during labour and delivery. This study therefore seeks to assess missed opportunities for ARV initiation during this critical period of pregnancy to improve outcomes of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes in Cameroon.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on the 2014 PMTCT data for labour and delivery among pregnant women of unknown HIV status within health facilities in six regions of Cameroon (428 eligible facilities).