Maternal Mortality Survey 2019 (Pakistan)

Abstract

The 2019 Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (2019 PMMS) was the first stand-alone maternal mortality survey conducted in Pakistan. A nationally representative sample of 1,396 primary sampling units were randomly selected. The survey was expected to result in about 14,000 interviews with ever-married women age 15-49.

The primary objective of the 2019 PMMS is to provide up-to-date estimates of basic demographic and health indicators. Specifically, the survey was designed and carried out with the purpose of assessing where Pakistan stands on maternal health indicators and how well the country is moving toward these targets. Overall aims of the 2019 PMMS were as follows:
- To estimate national and regional levels of maternal mortality for the 3 years preceding the survey and determine whether the MMR has declined substantially since 2006-07
- To identify medical causes of maternal deaths and the biological and sociodemographic risk factors associated with maternal mortality
- To assess the impact of maternal and newborn health services, including antenatal and postnatal care and skilled birth attendance, on prevention of maternal mortality and morbidity
- To estimate the prevalence and determinants of common obstetric complications and morbidities among women of reproductive age during the 3 years preceding the survey