Table 1

Summary of VA implementation challenges and recommendations

VA implementation stepDeath notificationVA interviewData analysisData use and dissemination
Challenges

  • Weak death notification

  • Lengthy VA

  • Poor data quality and inconsistent responses

  • Poor financing mechanism

  • Lack of clarity in the inclusion criteria

  • Poor commitment to roles and responsibilities

  • Poor coordination

  • No feedback loop

Recommendations

  • Legislative procedures for death notification

  • Effective stakeholder engagement

  • Optimal VA Questionnaire and Quality Control

  • Sustainable financing mechanism

  • Integrating VA Implementation in CRVS

  • Engage stakeholders with feedback

  • Effective capacity building on data collection, analysis and interpretation

  • CRVS, Civil Registration and Vital Statistics; VA, verbal autopsy.