MEASURING MATERNAL MORTALITY IN DEVELOPING PACIFIC ISLAND COUNTRIES - EXPERIENCE WITH THE SISTERHOOD METHOD IN THE SOLOMON-ISLANDS

Aims. To estimate the maternal mortality rate in the Solomon Islands, and to assist health planning and implementation of effective interventions. Method. The sisterhood method, an indirect technique for deriving population-based estimates of maternal mortality was used in interviews with 2580 randomly chosen women reporting on the fertility and mortality experience of their sisters. Results. The maternal mortality ratio in this study was 549 per 100 000 (95% CI 431, 684). This equates to one maternal death in every 180 pregnancies. Conclusion. The sisterhood method was found to be easy to administer, inexpensive and quick, and is recommended as a measurement tool to other developing countries.