Current Death Registration Practice and its Challenges in Myanmar: A Qualitative Study in Two Selected Townships of Mandalay Region

The Vital Registration System is the main source of mortality statistics in Myanmar. However, the country barely has adequate information about the vital registration framework and sufficient knowledge of situation and problems in the current death registration system. The efficiency of a vital registration system depends on many factors like the legal framework, system structure and design, registering procedures and process, human resources and technical efficiency, and public awareness and participation. Understanding such factors can help identify limitations in the system and develop strategies to improve the system. This qualitative study explores the factors which undermine the ability of the system to generate better quality mortality data. The data was collected in two selected townships of Mandalay Region by using qualitative methods such as document review, key informant interviews and group interviews. Like other developing countries where there are no adequate vital registration systems, the study found some issues which need to reform, restructure and reinforce in the areas of administration, technical efficiency and public awareness and cooperation. The findings highlight weaknesses in the system and provide valuable information for further improvement of death registration.