The birth register as an evaluation tool of maternal and child health activities at district level

Relevant epidemiological data are essential to improving management of maternal and child health services at district level. In public maternity hospitals of the health region of Monastir, Tunisia, a perinatal register has been established recording information related to pregnancy, childbirth and the condition of the newborn. During 1994, 7750 deliveries were registered, of which 46% took place in the university teaching hospital. Use of peripheral maternity hospitals varies according to the resources of the hospital;the university teaching hospital is highly attractive, especially for women from neighbouring districts. These findings raise the problem of the cost-effectiveness and relevance of opening new health facilities, particularly in times of economic crisis in the health care system