International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78022220110224107107ENKerman University of Medical Science, Faculty of Health, Haftbagh-Alavi Highway, Kerman, Iran.MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, De-partment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman. Iran.2011011320110121<p><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p> <p><strong>Objectives:</strong> Maternal mortality, a preventable tragedy, is an indicator of development, poverty and democracy. Therefore, prevention of maternal deaths is one of the main goals in many countries. Iran is one of the developing countries which aim to reduce maternal mortality through introduction of a new policy at national level. &nbsp;&nbsp;This study aimed to explore the extent to which&nbsp;this policy is practiced at&nbsp;peripheral levels.</p> <p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The data were collected through interviews with relevant people, observation, and review of the documents.</p> <p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The results showed that there is a gap between policy and practice which can be explained by inadequate training programs, inadequate collaboration, lack of guidelines and instigation of a specific investigation into maternal deaths.</p> <p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study suggests a number of considerations such as an initiative to collaborate, developing a guideline and presenting training programs before such policies are&nbsp; launched.</p> <p class="abstract"><strong>Keywords:</strong> Maternal mortality; Policy; Practice; Prevention.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/107http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/107/328