The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of community stakeholders
on reporting community maternal deaths to relevant authorities in Mangochi District of Malawi.
The study employed qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology approach to data collection, analysis
and interpretation. It was conducted in three health zones of Mangochi district which are Monkey-bay,
Mangochi boma and Namwera zones. Purposive sampling was used to select major community
stakeholders on issues of safe motherhood and these were; Village heads, Health Surveillance
Assistants (HSAs), safe motherhood volunteers and members of village health committees
(VHCs). A total of eighteen in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted.
Descriptive statistics were computed for the demographic variables and the qualitative data were
analysed using modified Colaizzi (1978) method based on Heideggerian and Gademerian philosophy.
Findings showed that community maternal deaths were not always reported because
there were no records in the district. Most participants lacked knowledge on the process and their
role in reporting community maternal deaths despite knowing the importance of reporting such
deaths. However, findings indicated a positive perception of participants towards reporting community
maternal deaths to authorities. The study recommends that health education be offered to
community members and Health Surveillance Assistants regarding reporting maternal deaths to
improve the situation.