Assessing the quality of cause-of-death data reported by vital registration systems: issues, challenges and the way forward.

Cause-of-death (mortality) information is the cornerstone of any health information system as it guides policy, planning and resourcing of health priorities. Health Ministers, managers, clinicians, policy makers and planners need timely, accurate and up-to-date information if they are to make evidence-based policy decisions to address issues impacting on the health of the population. However, reliable cause-of-death statistics are generally not available in many low- and middle-income countries. This policy brief outlines the need for strengthening cause-of-death data and provides practical recommendations on how this can be achieved.