Documentation of births: a community approach in Tashar – Shari Giwa lga of Kaduna state, Nigeria.

Abstract

Introduction
Vital events registration including births is necessary for effective planning, implementation and monitoring of programmes targeted at developing people and nations. Currently, there is very low level of birth registration in Nigeria due to the low level of awareness on its significance, multiple registration practices and inadequate coordination by the National Population Commission This study was undertaken to asses the community\'s ability to initiate and sustain birth registration at community level.
Methodology
The study was carried out in a small rural community Tashar-Shari of Giwa LGA of Kaduna state Nigeria between years 2000-2003. The methodology employed was through the use of trained community volunteers on the rudiments of birth registration using a simple format containing basic demographic data of parent and child (written in local language – Hausa).
Result
The study showed a positive trend towards birth registration the number of registered children doubling at the end of the study period. However the strategy was hampered by lack of effective structures and linkages between the community, local Government and the National Population Commission in the planning and implementation of the pilot vital registration.
Conclusion
It is feasible to document vital registration system using a community-based approach but there should be effective structures to link the community-based initiative with the National birth registration scheme in order to achieve optimum level of registration and sustainability of the initiative.


Annals of Nigerian Medicine Vol. 2 (2) 2006: pp. 25-28