About MDAC

“Maternal Death Audits in Communities” (MDAC) means to thoroughly examine and respond to the social, biological and medical events that led to a maternal or perinatal death. Inquiries are conducted of the deaths that occur in a community over several months time, in order to identify common factors that can be acted upon to prevent further deaths. Ongoing inquiries over several years allow a community to assess the impact of its preventive actions and the need for additional interventions. Death inquiries are conducted in the community using a “verbal autopsy” interview with the families of deceased persons. This is particularly helpful in areas where many deaths occur outside of health facilities and for highlighting relevant social factors and health care seeking problems. Health facilities where many deaths occur also should review the care provided to the women and children in order to identify medical practices that need to be improved to prevent additional deaths.