Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a southeast Asian country, with a long
history of military dictatorship, human rights violations, and poor
health indicators. The health situation is particularly dire among
pregnant women in the ethnic minorities of the eastern provinces
(Kachin, Shan, Mon, Karen and Karenni regions). This integrative review
investigates the current status of maternal mortality in eastern
Myanmar in the context of armed conflict between various separatist
groups and the military regime. The review examines the underlying
factors contributing to high maternal mortality in eastern Myanmar and
assesses gaps in the existing research, suggesting areas for further
research and policy response. Uncovered were a number of underlying
factors uniquely contributing to maternal mortality in eastern Myanmar.
These could be grouped into the following analytical themes: ongoing
conflict, health system deficits, and political and socioeconomic
influences. Abortion was interestingly not identified as an important
contributor to maternal mortality. Recent political liberalization may
provide space to act upon identified roles and opportunities for the
Myanmar Government, the international community, and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) in a manner that positively impacts on maternal
healthcare in the eastern regions of Myanmar. This review makes a
number of recommendations to this effect