Business process mapping for civil registration and vital statistics systems in the Caribbean region

Reliable mortality data are essential for understanding population health and guiding policy. Many Caribbean countries face persistent challenges in their Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems, including incomplete registration, delayed data processing, and limited digital integration. To address these gaps, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) launched a project in six countries—Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—focused on strengthening mortality surveillance through Business Process Mapping (BPM).

Led by the Systems Innovation Research Group at Swiss TPH, the project documented existing workflows, identifies bottlenecks, and recommends system improvements, particularly in digital transformation using tools like DHIS-2. The initiative aimed to enhance the quality, timeliness, and completeness of mortality data, supporting more effective public health planning and decision-making in the region.