Immunization programmes and notifications of vital events

In many low- and middle-income countries, civil registration and vital statistics systems rely on passive reporting, with families expected to attend local registry offices to register vital events, such as births and deaths. However, families may face physical, cultural, legal, socioeconomic or other barriers that impede their access to registration and reduce the performance of civil registration and vital statistics systems. This article argues that with adequate capacity building and resources, heath workers—especially those involved in immunization programs—can promote, educate and mobilize communities for civil registration and vital statistics system strengthening, and report identified vital events to civil registration authorities.