Republic of ZambiaThe Role of the Health Sector in Improving Birth and Death Registration

3rd Session of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil RegistrationExpert Session

Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.Martin Nyahoda- CRVS Country Expert

OutlineIntroductionBirth and Death Occurrence in

ZambiaBirth RegistrationHealth Facility Registration

ResultsKey Lesson

IntroductionThe role of the health sector in

improving birth and death registration is well known because a good percentage of these vital events occur in health facilities in Africa.

Even in cases where births occur outside health facilities children are taken to health facilities for immunizations.

This creates a great opportunity for immediate registration at point of occurrence.

Birth Occurrence in Zambia

About 48% of births occur in health facilities

About 52% of births occur at home

About 99% of children under five have immunization cards.This means that close to 100% of

children are in touch with health facilities from birth or during immunizations.

Death Occurrence in Zambia

48%

6%

46%

Death Occurrence by Place

Health FaciltyOther PlacesHome

Birth RegistrationZambia is among the countries in

the SADC region with low levels of birth registration.

However, the country is making positive steps in improving birth and death registration as outlined in the National Strategic Action plan for CRVS improvement (Product of the Comprehensive assessment)

Birth Registration

Health facility registration was launched in 2013 with support from UNICEF country office

By September December 2014, registration of births was being conducted in close to 200 health facilities across the country.

2014 Results: Health Facility Birth Registration in 3 Provinces

Luapula Eastern Southern0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

201120122013

Key LessonThe health sector has a big role

in improving registration coverage.

Health facility based registration of births and deaths means that these events can be captured immediately at point of occurrence which eliminates chances of non registration and on the other hand improves accuracy of reported information.

Merci