This project implemented by WHO strengthened health information systems in two African countries to provide accurate and timely data on vital statistics for road traffic deaths. Strengthening data systems and improving road traffic fatality data leads to more robust data for decision-making.

The project involves a business process mapping methodology that helps countries identify and understand how current civil registration processes work, how to identify gaps and recommend solutions.

A comprehensive approach to the project implementation is key in ensuring the country has a complete view of the bottlenecks and challenges in improving the issue of under reporting road safety data.

Global Context

Worldwide an estimated 53% of deaths go unregistered, and progress in improving death registration in low- and middle-income (LMIC) countries has been slow.

Africa not only has the highest road traffic death rates per 100,000 population (i.e. 26.6 per 100,000 population), it also contains  countries where the largest discrepancies exist between what is officially reported by the government and estimates generated by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The lack of and poor quality of data prevents the development of tailored strategies to address specific risks for road traffic deaths.