he Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Digitisation Guidebook (CRVS-DGB) is an online resource that provides step-by-step guidance for countries to plan, analyse, design and implement digitized systems and automated processes for CRVS.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has the potential to provide transformative improvements in CRVS systems based on its ability to extend registration coverage, standardise and streamline civil registration and vital statistics processes, integrate data from multiple systems and securely store data at scale, all in a cost-effective way. If properly employed, ICT can make a significant contribution towards achieving universal registration of vital events, providing legal documentation of civil registration as necessary to claim identity, civil status and ensuing rights, and producing accurate, complete and timely vital statistics.
The online guidebook responds to the need expressed by African countries to develop effective, scalable and sustainable civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems and to maximize the impact of ICT investments. It has been developed by the African Regional Core Group on CRVS under the technical leadership of Plan International supported by Economic Commission for Africa and African Development Bank in collaboration with country experts across Africa. Jembi Health Systems, South Africa, provided the technical support as consultant organization. The guidebook is intended to remain a living resource including re-usable assets and case studies that will continue to evolve and expand over time.
The CRVS Digitisation Guidebook is an integral part of the CRVS strengthening support offered to African countries by the African Programme for the Accelerated Improvement of CRVS (APAI-CRVS) and should be used in conjunction with the development of a national CRVS strategic plan and work programme.