Developing a data-driven maternal health policy toolkit using a collective impact approach in Mexico, Colombia and Argentina

While many countries in Latin America have made progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, insufficient improvement has been made in reducing the burden of maternal mortality in the region. Developing health policies to address maternal mortality including best practices and programs requires relevant and accurate data.  In preparation for the development of an interactive web-based policy toolkit, the Pan American Development Foundation conducted a series of semi-structured interviews with 25 key stakeholder groups representing Professional Associations, Census/Demographic Institutes, Advocacy Organizations, and Ministries of Health in Argentina, Colombia and Mexico in order to identify the internal and external factors related to addressing maternal mortality with a data-driven approach.  Data generated at the country level has provided an important framework; however, information at the local and regional level remain invaluable as it offers a perspective that highlights existing differences and gaps at the population level, thus leading to the identification of best practices and innovation opportunities. While current data systems and dashboards related to maternal health and mortality exist, there lacks a comprehensive system that incorporates indicators at a country, regional and local level combined with qualitative data from key stakeholders and current policies and interventions.  In order for policy makers and advocates to have the tools necessary to make informed decisions related to improving maternal health and reducing maternal mortality rates, they need accurate data not only related to maternal mortality, but incorporating a life-course perspective to women’s health and indicators highlighting social determinants of health.