Mchinji Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Data Dashboard

These data are shared amongst the public, health providers, district and national health planners and decision makers to help ensure that health plans focus on Mchinji’s areas of need.

The Mchinji district dashboard presents evidence collated from health facility district data, specifically data on the number of maternal deaths reported, maternal death audit findings including contributing factors to maternal deaths, and availability of blood supply in the district. The dashboard is updated quarterly with key evidence and findings.

Key findings and messages

• Since 2010, 77 women in Mchinji have died from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes
• Nearly half of these deaths were due to blood loss (haemorrhage)
• Lack of available blood was a contributing factor in 1 in 5 maternal deaths
• In 2013, 502 babies died in health facilities in Mchinji district, including newborns and fresh stillborns. Almost 10 babies each week.
• Mchinji donated less blood in 2013 than in 2012. Without blood, women will continue to die.

Key recommendations

• Community members should be encouraged to donate blood regularly because the amount of blood available in Mchinji district is low
• Decision makers should use evidence, like the data dashboard, when making district implementation plans and prioritising where to allocate resources. The health of mothers and babies should be a priority.
• Break the silence about newborn deaths in Mchinji! Community and traditional leaders, and health care providers should count newborn deaths in Mchinji so that we can learn from the experiences and end preventable newborn deaths.