Maternal mortality audit in a Zimbabwean province.

A maternal mortality audit was introduced in the Midlands Province (Zimbabwe) in order to identify which avoidable factors were involved most frequently. During the two-year study period, the maternal mortality rate was 137 per 100,000 total births. The main causes of death were uterine rupture, eclampsia, haemorrhage and caesarean section related accidents. An avoidable factor was identified among 87% of these deaths involving the health system in 57% of the cases and the patient in 33%. Access to the health facilities and transport problems only played a minor role.