Towards harmonization of maternal mortality estimates in Latin America. Findings of the pilot study on eight countries.

National statistics on maternal mortality vary considerably from international estimates: national figures for 2010 showed 5,670 maternal deaths in Latin America, substantially fewer than the 7,400 estimated by UNMMEIG or the 8,263 estimated by IHME. In Latin America, social and geographical inequality results in uneven coverage and quality of vital registration, and insufficient metadata to assess reliability. To facilitate an understanding of the methods, and to assist countries in the conciliation of national estimations with external sources, CELADE/ECLAC drafted a document comparing MMEIG, IHME and country estimates; explaining the approaches for measuring maternal mortality; and shedding light regarding interpretation of the multiple estimation sources.
Further, CELADE is working with eight pilot countries to explore data quality, assessments and adjustments. This paper reports findings of the pilot study, including a review on the coverage and quality of vital statistics; the state of the art of maternal mortality statistics at the national level; and an examination of discrepancies between sources, in the light of available metadata. Conclusions will be discussed with country stakeholders, resulting in recommendations on coordination, harmonization of figures and improvement of maternal mortality measurement.