Triangulating data sources for further learning from and about the MDSR in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional review of facility based maternal death data from EmONC assessment and MDSR system.

Background: Triangulating findings from MDSR with other sources can better inform maternal health programs. A national Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) assessment and the Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) system provided data to determine the coverage of MDSR implementation in health facilities, the leading causes and contributing factors to death, and the extent to which life-saving interventions were provided to deceased women.

Methods: This paper is based on triangulation of findings from a descriptive analysis of secondary data extracted from the 2016 EmONC assessment and the MDSR system databases.

Maternal Death Surveillance and Response Systems in driving accountability and influencing change.

Good progress has been made in reducing maternal deaths from 1990-2015 but accelerated progress is needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in ending preventable maternal deaths through a renewed focus on accountability and actions. This paper looks at how Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) systems are strengthening response and accountability for better health outcomes by analyzing key findings from the WHO and UNFPA Global MDSR Implementation Survey across 62 countries. It examines two concrete examples from Nigeria and Ethiopia to demonstrate how findings can influence systematic changes in policy and practice.