Implementation of maternal and neonatal death surveillance and response in Cameroon

Objective To analyze implementation of maternal and neonatal death surveillance and response (MNDSR) in Cameroon to determine to what extent monitoring objectives are being met and highlight the main obstacles and facilitating factors. Methods Secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional study using a qualitative method and routine data on maternal health. Semistructured interviews were conducted with participants involved in MNDSR at the central, regional, and district levels. Results Notification of maternal deaths has been incorporated into the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system since January 2014. However, maternal deaths are underreported in most hospitals and neonatal and community deaths are not recorded. Comprehensive review of maternal deaths does not occur in all hospitals despite training of providers in 2013 on how to conduct reviews. Conclusion Implementation of MNDSR in Cameroon is insufficient. More commitment from the Ministry of Health is needed to develop an action plan and secure funding. Synopsis Underreporting of maternal deaths, insufficient training and supervision of healthcare personnel, and the absence of reference documents are some of the reasons behind insufficient implementation of maternal death review in Cameroon.