Systematic review of effect of community-level interventions to reduce maternal mortality.

Background: The objective was to provide a systematic review of the effectiveness of community-level interventions to reduce maternal mortality.

Methods: We searched published papers using Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, CINAHL, BNI, CAB ABSTRACTS, IBSS, Web of Science, LILACS and African Index Medicus from inception or at least 1982 to June 2006; searched unpublished works using National Research Register website, metaRegister and the WHO International Trial Registry portal. We hand searched major references.

An intervention involving traditional birth attendants and perinatal and maternal mortality in Pakistan.

Background: There are approximately 4 million neonatal deaths and half a million maternal deaths worldwide each year. There is limited evidence from clinical trials to guide the development of effective maternity services in developing countries.

Methods: We performed a cluster-randomized, controlled trial involving seven subdistricts (talukas) of a rural district in Pakistan.