Technical Assistance for SRS Planning: A Comprehensive Systems Assessment Approach

Reliable mortality data are essential for public health planning, policy development and resource allocation. Sample Registration Systems (SRS) can provide an important source of mortality and cause-of-death information, particularly in settings where complete civil registration is not yet achieved. However, an SRS is introduced into an already complex health and demographic information ecosystem, shaped by existing institutions, data systems, reporting structures, professional networks and governance arrangements. Understanding this context, including the relationships and mechanisms that influence how the system functions, is therefore critical for effective SRS planning and implementation.

This project provided technical assistance to six countries Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Pakistan and Mali,  during the SRS planning phase, with a strong emphasis on comprehensive system assessment prior to implementation. The objective was to support countries in developing a clear understanding of the strengths, limitations, institutional arrangements, operational processes and existing capacities within their mortality information systems, so that SRS design could be appropriately aligned with national priorities and embedded within existing structures.

Systems thinking was applied to examine the broader mortality information ecosystem and the interactions between institutions, processes, data flows and surveillance mechanisms. Business Process Mapping supported holistic undestanding of the mortality information systems. Stakeholder, governance and Network Analyses helped clarify institutional roles, coordination mechanisms, influence and decision-making, while consideration of equity and contextual factors supported planning that was responsive to national needs and population characteristics.

The work followed a collaborative approach, engaging relevant government institutions, technical partners and other stakeholders in the interpretation of assessment findings and the identification of priorities for SRS design and implementation. Rather than applying a uniform model, the technical assistance was adapted to the institutional, operational and epidemiological context of each country.

By strengthening the assessment and planning phase, the project aimed to support more informed design decisions, anticipate implementation challenges, build on existing capacities and improve the likelihood that SRS can be effectively integrated into national mortality information systems.

The project contributed to five broader strategic objectives: strengthening national ownership and leadership; strengthening mortality data ecosystems; developing national, regional and global expertise; promoting equity and contextual relevance; and facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Selected project output(s)

Essential Process Maps for SRS:  An interactive toolkit developed and hosted on GitHub to support SRS planning, design and implementation. It brings together generic and adaptable process maps covering the core, support and management processes required for an SRS, with features that allow users to navigate across process areas, view detailed subprocess maps, and access explanatory notes. Editable versions of the maps are also provided to support further adaptation and use by country teams.