The Project

Evidence for action (E4A) seeks to improve maternal and newborn survival through a combined focus on evidence, advocacy and accountability in Nigeria and two sub-Saharan African countries. One of its interventions is the strengthening of Maternal and Perinatal Death and Surveillance Response (MPDSR) in Lagos State, Nigeria. The MPDSR is a qualitative, in-depth investigation into the causes of, and circumstances surrounding maternal or perinatal deaths that occur in health facilities. In May 2017, this paper-based process was digitized to improve the quality of maternal and newborn health services and outcomes in Lagos State.

E4A commissioned LAMP to conduct a Social Return On Investment (SROI) evaluation of the digitization of the Maternal Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (eMPDSR) system in Nigeria. SROI is a framework for measuring and accounting for the broader impact of an intervention. It involved evaluating the digitization of the MPDSR based on opinions of key stakeholders and analysis of expected outcomes. During the study, stakeholders were identified, outcomes were mapped, these outcomes were evidenced and given a value, the impact of the intervention was established and the SROI ratio was calculated. The SROI methodology was used because it captures the range of opinion from different stakeholders that have been involved in the implementation of the digitization process.