(Newsletter: CRVS Insight April 2021)

The Government of Bangladesh, supported by the Data for Health initiative, has started implementing a nationwide program to strengthen civil registration systems. The model was first implemented in Kaliganj province of Bangladesh for several years and uses frontline medical workers to assist with civil registration of births and deaths. This change of approach has lessened the burden on families and has gained high level government support and strong collaboration between ministries.
This model has proven highly successful, with birth and death registration completeness going from 8 to 94% and 21 to 71% respectively. Coupled with initiatives to develop stronger systems to record of causes of death, results indicate this model will also improve the amount and quality of vital statistics data, which will facilitate governance at all levels.

Read more information on the program here. For information on Data for Health global funding grants click here. The next cycle will open in May, and details for application can be found here.