The Pacific Ministers of Health Meeting was held in the Cook Islands from 28-30 August. Ministers emphasized the importance of CRVS to the health sector for monitoring key regional priorities such as the Pacific “Healthy Islands” Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Ministers also noted the importance of continuing to improve birth, death and cause of death data quality through health information systems and a multi-sectoral approach to CRVS.

In June, the Solomon Islands hosted a national stakeholder meeting as part of their ongoing review of CRVS legislation. Proposals focused on addressing key structural and design issues related to the national CR system and will form the basis for further consultations by the national committee as well as for a white paper to be sent to the government.

Finally, from 9-11 October the Pacific Community (SPC) will be hosting a review/“train the trainers” meeting in Fiji on improving cause of death certification. All three initiatives have benefited from the support of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Brisbane Accord Group (BAG) and its members.