Overview

These are the National Guidelines for Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) in Nigeria, published in March 2014 with a foreword dated March 2015. The document outlines the framework for systematically tracking and reviewing maternal and perinatal deaths to improve quality of care and reduce preventable deaths. It highlights Nigeria's high mortality rates: about 700 newborn deaths per day (highest in Africa, second globally), 33,000 maternal deaths annually, and a maternal mortality ratio of 576 per 100,000 live births with neonatal mortality at 37 per 1,000 (2013 DHS). The guidelines aim to address the three delays (seeking care, accessing care, receiving quality care) through death audits and response to recommendations. It was developed by the Federal Ministry of Health with technical support from professional associations (SOGON, PAN, NISONM), development partners (WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, PATHS2/DFID, Jhpiego, Save the Children), and national technical working groups. The document provides direction for establishing MPDSR systems at all levels and is recommended for federal institutions, state governments, agencies, development partners, NGOs, and faith-based health facilities. The Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Al-hassan, endorsed the guidelines.

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