During a two-day workshop in Praia, the National Health Directorate and WHO Cabo Verde brought together professionals from various areas to review the death registration process in the country, with a view to proposing improvements in the quality and modernization of mortality data. 

The aim of the workshop was to review the process of death certification and notification of causes of death: analyze mortality registration, health statistics and the civil registration system and vital statistics, including the use of the International Classification of Diseases - processes, procedures and information systems, draw up an implementation plan for improving death certification and notification of causes of death, guarantee national capacity in terms of information systems, strengthen the training of health professionals in the use of death certification tools, notification and analysis of causes of death: carrying out training of trainers, for subsequent cascade training at national level, reinforcing computer equipment to support the process of death certification and notification of causes of death, improving the quality of vital statistics and supporting decision-making in public health, in an initiative with the participation of national technicians and two consultants from the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Deaths, births and causes of death are not just numbers, they are the lifeblood of policymakers. Birth registration is of crucial importance to ensure that every child has an identity and is also the main denominator for the estimates we make about mortality.” Benson Droti, WHO expert. 

Valéria Semedo, a doctor at the Information and Decision Center (CID), said that 

"Cabo Verde's process already allows for the production of statistics, but we want to make it even more effective and with higher quality data," she explained."

Among the recommendations discussed at the workshop were the need for ongoing training for health professionals, the adoption of the International Classification of Diseases version 11 (ICD-11) and the computerization of the system to ensure faster and easier access to data.
She also stressed the importance of interconnectivity between national and international institutions, especially when it comes to following up cases from the diaspora.
 

"We often lose track of patients sent abroad. A computerized and interoperable system can solve this problem," he stressed.

In collaboration with WHO consultants, a technical team will consolidate the recommendations and draw up an action plan to implement improvements in the mortality system.

"The expectation is that this plan will be effectively implemented with follow-up and accountability of those involved. This is a priority issue for the National Health Directorate," concluded Semedo