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Review
. 2021 Jun 30;9(2):379-389.
doi: 10.9745/GHSP-D-20-00594. Print 2021 Jun 30.

From Passive Surveillance to Response: Suriname's Efforts to Implement Maternal Death Surveillance and Response

Lachmi R Kodan  1   2 , Kim J C Verschueren  2 , Geertje Boerstra  3 , Inder Gajadien  4 , Robert S Mohamed  5 , Lily D Olmtak  6 , Satish R Mohan  7 , Kitty W M Bloemenkamp  2
Affiliations
Review

From Passive Surveillance to Response: Suriname's Efforts to Implement Maternal Death Surveillance and Response

Lachmi R Kodan et al. Glob Health Sci Pract. .

Abstract

Implementation of maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) is crucial to reduce maternal deaths. In Suriname, MDSR was not implemented until 2015. We describe the process of MDSR implementation in Suriname and share the "lessons learned," as experienced by the health care providers, national maternal death review committee members, and public health experts. Before 2015, maternal deaths were identified using death certificates and by active surveillance in the hospitals. Based on the recommendations from a 2010-2014 Reproductive Age Mortality Survey in Suriname, a maternal death review committee has improved the identification of maternal deaths and has audited every death since 2015. Although this review committee initiated several actions to implement MDSR together with health care providers, the involvement of the Ministry of Health (MOH) was crucial. Therefore, the Maternal Health Steering Committee was recently installed as a direct working arm of MOH to guide MDSR implementation. One of the main barriers to implementing MDSR in Suriname has been the lack of action following recommendations. Delineating roles and responsibilities for action, establishing accountability mechanisms, and influencing stakeholders in a position to act are critical to ensure a response to the recommendations. To implement MDSR, the 5 Cs-commitment, "no blame, no shame" culture, coordination, collaboration, and communication-are crucial.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Timeline of Local Plans to Reduce Maternal Mortality in Suriname up to 2015
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Maternal Death Surveillance and Response in Suriname in 2020 Source: Adapted from the World Health Organization.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Facilitators and Barriers in Establishing Maternal Death Surveillance and Response in Suriname as Experienced by Committee Maternal Mortality Suriname Members, Health Care Providers, and Public Health Experts Abbreviations: BOG, Bureau of Public Health; MDSR, Maternal Death Surveillance and Response; MaMS, Maternal Mortality Suriname, MOH, Ministry of Health; PAHO, Pan American Health Organization.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Timeline of Maternal Health Initiatives in Suriname, 2015 to Present Abbreviation: M(P)DSR: maternal (& perinatal) death surveillance and response.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Flowchart of Organization of Maternal Health in Suriname Adapted From the National Maternal Health and Mortality Reduction Priority Plan 2019–2020
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 6
The Ideal Paradigm of the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response Cycle for Suriname Abbreviation: MPDSR, maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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