Evaluation of the quality of civil registration and vital statistics systems

Abstract

Over two thirds of the world’s countries do not have valid and reliable vital statistics derived from civil registration records—the optimal source for such data. Given the critical need for such data need, a drive has been launched at the international level to strengthen civil registration and vital statistics systems, in particular in developing countries. The importance of generating complete, accurate and timely vital statistics from the civil registration system cannot be overemphasized, as such statistics are of key importance in assessing population characteristics for planning and policy purposes and for evaluating various programmes. As system strengthening initiatives take shape, there will be an increasing need for robust methodologies to measure and monitor progress in data-quality improvements in vital statistics at the national and subnational levels.