In this course, you will learn about the role and importance of civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems that are used to track birth, death, and life events. Experts from around the world will explain what CRVS systems are, how they are used, the legal bases for registering vital events, and challenges experienced with CRVS systems. You will learn about how CRVS data can be used to inform population-level decision-making, including around specific methods such as medical certification of cause of death (MCCOD) and verbal autopsy, and the application of a gender and equity lens to data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Our overarching goals for the course are to support the collection of country-level death and birth data, to improve the use of data to inform policy priorities, track trends, and plan interventions, and enhance monitoring of major risk factors for early death, especially from noncommunicable diseases.
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Civil Registration & Vital Statistics in Population Health
Instructors: Michelle Colder Carras
Included with 
What you'll learn
Define the importance of CRVS and the challenges associated with collecting data on birth, death, and cause of death.
Explain the core functions of civil registration and vital statistics, as well as the formats in which they are implemented.
Consider how to strengthen CRVS and address data quality issues, using cause of death interventions as an example.
Understand the importance of using equity and gender-transformative approaches to CRVS to ensure that everyone is counted and no one is left behind.
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There are 2 modules in this course
What's included
10 videos2 readings6 assignments2 discussion prompts
What's included
6 videos3 readings6 assignments1 discussion prompt
Offered by
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University of Geneva
University of Rochester
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University of Colorado System
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