Strategies for improving civil registration and vital statistics systems Discussant: Dr AJ Lanyon Australian Bureau of Statistics 29 June 2011

2 Papers/Presentations 2 papers/presentations were very complementary ECA Very good overview of key components of an improvement strategy VSC, Canada: Lived example of a commitment to ongoing improvement in a way that links the CRS and the VSS

3 Reflections on Chapter IV Support (in general) endorsement of content of existing Chapter IV Chap IV is clear –not meant to be comprehensive –draws attention to importance of improvement strategies –framed to cover both CRS and VSS One size will not fit all (ECA paper)

4 Reflections on Chapter IV Emphasis in next P+R? –A monitoring and improvement plan should be INTEGRAL to system design – governance, regular operation, commitment to training –Risks when seen as an add-on –Periodic independent evaluation has a role – but should not be the sole focus of investment in improvement

5 Reflections on Chapter IV WHO / UQ HIS-Hub Assessment Framework and tool provides: –comprehensive resource for reviewing CRS and VS produced –results in of improvement/action plans to achieve sustainable CRS Covers: –number of components raised by ECA –majority of components of Chapter IV

6 Reflections on Chapter IV Ensuring strong links between CRS and VSS is important – inter- agency co-ordinating mechanisms are key (Canadian experience) Feedback loops at operational level also important Not sure current Chapter emphasises importance of CRS/VSS links sufficiently

7 Reflections on Chapter IV Some further comments: –Need to be careful about how to frame membership of co-ordination committees –Stakeholder analysis should inform –Could be a way of making links with Health Agencies and the research community (key part of CRS and VSS)

8 Reflections on Chapter IV Some further comments: –ECA paper (para 27) re-affirms value of targeted outreach program to address problem areas (applicable to developing and developed countries) –Mobilization of funds is important – balance between national and donor funding required to be sustainable –With UQ HIS-Hub, ABS developed a tool to assist in development of ‘business cases’ to obtain $

9 Reflections on Chapter IV Some final (!) comments: –Keeping abreast of ICT developments is key but challenging (Canadian experience is heartening – demonstrates value in collaboration!) –Access to technical expertise/resources required to support improvement –Role to play by regional programmes to monitor and support strong CRS + VSS.