Mortality has played an important role in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. National governments have recognized the significance of mortality estimates. 

Mortality in younger ages has successfully declined, however, accurate adult mortality estimates are still lacking. With diversity and inequality in adult mortality patterns being frequent, it is necessary to have universal and inclusive adult mortality estimates, in order to leave no one behind.

Comprehensive and inclusive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems play a vital role in providing high quality data on adult mortality, however, in terms of death registration, many systems are incomplete, which is exacerbated during times of crisis. In countries with incomplete CRVS systems, estimates of adult mortality are mostly based on census and survey data, with supplemental measures like verbal autopsies.

Countries in Asia and the Pacic are strengthening death registration as part of their commitments under the Regional Action Framework on CRVS in Asia and the Pacific and the Asia-Pacific CRVS Decade. 

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