This paper recalls the vital functions that civil registration systems perform in ensuring legal protection to the people of a country and contributing to the economic and social development of a nation through creation of a permanent demographic database. While some “interim solutions” including demographic surveys and surveillance sites have been implemented to bridge the gap regarding health related data, the paper argues that these are not a substitute for strengthening the civil registration systems. Listing recommendations in this connection, the paper identifies the need to broaden the approach beyond “birth registration” that has been the focus for most international assistance. The paper also draws attention to some promising sources of funding support including the new aid mechanisms in the health sector that can help civil registration.
