The Global and Local Factors Influencing Maternal Mortality Ratios: Barriers and Recommendations for Success

_________________________________________________________________ Maternal death is defined as the death of a female of reproductive age during pregnancy, labor or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy from causes that are related to or aggravated by pregnancy and relevant care. Maternal deaths are measured by maternal mortality ratios per country and are reported as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Each year an estimated 500,000 women die worldwide from complications due to pregnancy or labor and about half of these women live in Sub-Saharan Africa. The rationale for conducting this study is to address the prevalent and preventable issue, maternal death and to assess barriers to the achievement of the 5th Millennium Development Goal. Purpose: To explore maternal mortality worldwide and in Sub-Saharan Africa, to analyze health risk factors, social/environmental factors, tracking techniques, intervention techniques and policy factors both worldwide and in Sub-Saharan Africa and make recommendations for Sub-Saharan Africa aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates and achieving the 5th Millennium Development Goal. Methods:The design is a comparative literature review and policy analysis. Variables were chosen based on their relation to the outcome, maternal health. Studies reviewed came from peer-reviewed journals found in Arcadia University’s Landman Library.