Facility Based Maternal and Perinatal Mortality: Evidence from Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response, Gombe State, Nigeria

Background: Globally, women and their unborn babies continue to die from preventable causes. This study aims to highlight the causes of maternal and perinatal deaths and bring to the fore areas that need to be improved in order to improve maternal and perinatal health indices in Gombe State. Methodology: Information for this report was obtained from Maternal and Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) desk officers and chairmen across MPDSR supported health facilities in the state. Secondary data abstraction from registers was conducted using an electronic questionnaire and was analysed using SPSS version 23. Findings: The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) was 1,092/100,000 livebirths in 2019 and 993/100,000 live births in 2020. Majority of the women (84.3% and 86.7% in 2019 and 2020 respectively) were severely ill at presentation, while most maternal deaths were as a result of eclampsia/pre-eclampsia and Post Partum Haemorrhage (PPH). Only 15.9% and 14.4% of maternal deaths in 2019 and 2020 respectively were reviewed. Perinatal asphyxia accounted for 36.4% and 31.8% of perinatal deaths in 2019 and 2020 respectively, while prematurity resulted in 24.7% and 35.6% of deaths in 2019 and 2020 respectively. The Perinatal Mortality Rates (PMR) were 78.3/1000 births in 2019 and 76.1/1000 births in 2020. Conclusion: Although MMR and PMR have been on a decline in Gombe state from 2018 till date, these figures are still far from achieving the SDG 2030 target. There is therefore the need to revive MPDSR activities in the state and improve emergency obstetric health care services.