Causes of Maternal Mortality in 2020 in the Kara Region (Togo)

Objective: Determine the maternal mortality rate, the epidemiological profile, the causes of death and the dysfunctions noted. Patients and method: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study from January 1 to December 31, 2020. All maternal deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days after its termination fitting the World Health Organisation definition criteria that occurred in the seven districts of Kara region were included. The data were processed using Excel microsoft. Results: A total of 41 maternal deaths occurred among 23,456 live births, accounting for a maternal mortality ratio of 174.8 deaths per 100,000 live births. The followings were observed: the average age of 30 years;88% married;39% multiparous;78% housewives without income; 5% students. Hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and complications of abortion were the main direct obstetric causes, while anemia was the main indirect obstetric cause. Factors related to deaths were inadequate quality of health care and lack of universal health insurance. The various maternal death audit reports found that 94.4% of deaths were preventable. Conclusion: Most maternal deaths would be prevented in the Kara region if women during pregnancy and the postpartum period received quality health care and the community was involved in decision-making about their health.