Conceptual framework for maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in crisis settings

This conceptual framework on the causes of maternal and newborn deaths illustrates that health outcomes are determined by interrelated factors that encompass nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, health care services and healthy behaviors, and disease control, among others. These factors are defined as proximate (individual), underlying (household, community, and district), and basic (societal). Factors at one level influence other levels. The framework is devised to be useful in assessing and analyzing the causes of maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity and in planning effective actions to enhance maternal and neonatal health.