Paleker, Masudah; Boggs, Dorothy; Jackson, Debra; Day, Louise-Tina; Lawn, Joy E; (2023) Closing the birth registration gap for Every newborn facility birth: literature review and qualitative research. Global health action, 16 (1). p. 2286073. ISSN 1654-9716 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2023.2286073
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Birth registration is vital to provide legal identity and access to essential services. Worldwide, approximately 166 million children under five years (just under 25%) are unregistered, yet >80% of all births occur in health facilities in most low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). OBJECTIVES: This study, conducted in association with UNICEF, aims to review facility-based birth registration initiatives, and provide recommendations to close the gap between facility birth and birth registration rates in LMIC. METHODS: A literature review covering published and grey literature was conducted to identify facility-based initiatives to increase birth registration rates. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted by audio-call with six key global stakeholders to identify additional initiatives, and further insights for barriers and enablers to close the gap. RESULTS: Academic databases and grey literature search yielded 21 studies meeting pre-specified inclusion criteria. Nine barriers preventing birth registration were identified and grouped into three themes: health system, governmental, and societal barriers. Facility-based birth registration initiatives resulted in an increase in birth registration rates. Importantly, health promotion within communities also increased demand for birth registration. In-depth interview respondents provided further detail and supported data found in literature review. Synthesis of the literature and stakeholder interviews noted enablers including inter-sectoral collaboration between health sector and civil registration ministries e.g., placing civil registration offices in health facilities or allowing medical doctors to act as registrars. CONCLUSION: Facility-based birth registration initiatives can increase birth registration rates in LMIC. Initiatives need to address both supply and demand side of birth registration to improve facility-based birth registration rates. A multi-sectoral approach within governments, and alignment with multiple stakeholders is vital.
Item Type | Article |
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Faculty and Department |
Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health > Dept of Population Health (2012- ) Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health > Dept of Infectious Disease Epidemiology & International Health (2023-) |
Research Centre | Centre for Maternal, Reproductive and Child Health (MARCH) |
PubMed ID | 38085000 |
Elements ID | 212724 |
Official URL | https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2023.2286073 |
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