Improving Mortality Statistics through Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems

This document offers guidance on strategies for strengthening vital statistics in national civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) plans, with a focus on mortality and cause-of-death statistics, which are urgently needed to inform public health decision-making and monitor progress towards national and international health goals. The document summarizes key mortality related indicators and describes the strengths and limitations of different data sources. It goes on to describe the best options for generating mortality statistics, proposes principles for selecting data sources, and identifies priority actions for strengthening CRVS while improving the availability and quality of mortality statistics. It concludes with recommendations on the contents of CRVS investment plans based on country starting points and capacities.