Reporting maternal deaths in Anglophone West Africa: A media content analysis of articles published online between 2015 and 2025

Maternal mortality is a serious public health issue globally, with countries in West Africa facing some of the highest burdens. Media reportage of maternal deaths can have a significant influence on public health policy. We conducted a content analysis of digital media across the five Anglophone West African countries (The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone) to understand what is reported about maternal deaths and how they are reported. Four to five widely read online newspapers and two of the most popular blogging sites from each country were selected. For each source, we searched for relevant articles, retrieving and including those with a detailed report of maternal death due to obstetric causes. Following data extraction, we used quantitative and qualitative analyses, using the three-delay model and a derived standards checklist based on the Principles of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Impress Standards Code for coding, respectively. Inter-coder reliability was assessed for quantitative analysis, and audit trail and debriefing conducted for qualitative analysis. Fifty-three detailed articles, consisting of 35 online newspaper articles (61%) and 16 blogs (30%), were included. Most were published in 2023 (30%) and in Nigeria (75%). Delays in facilities, including negligence, malpractice, long waiting times, and withholding care contingent on payment, were frequently mentioned. All articles distinguished fact from opinion, and authors avoided taking a side, 90% were respectful, 68% captured >1 perspective, with most capturing perspectives of the spouse and the government; however, only 6% consulted independent experts. Overall, media reportage of maternal deaths in Anglophone West Africa confirms existing and offers new insights. Preservation of the dignity and respect of pregnant women in death; engagement of multiple voices, including independent experts, and inclusion of actions being undertaken or required to prevent future occurrences will improve reporting and its utility for policy change.

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