Strengthening Public Health Leadership for Data-Driven Decision Making: Institutionalizing Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Data Use Training in Uganda
1
CDC Foundation, Atlanta, United States
2
Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3495
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems are essential for monitoring population health and informing policy, yet CRVS data remain underutilized in many low- and middle-income countries due to limited analytical capacity within the public health workforce and weak integration into routine public health practice. This initiative aimed to build CRVS data use capacity through a country-led training within Uganda’s national Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP).
METHODS:
A five-day CRVS data use workshop was conducted in November 2025 for Advanced FETP fellows. The training was developed and delivered with Ministry of Health, the National Identification and Registration Authority, and the Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) and aligned with the UNIPH curriculum. Government datasets including birth and death records, mortality surveillance data, and medical certification of cause of death data were used. Training content emphasized applied analysis, data visualization and translation of findings for public health action and leadership. Fellows developed CRVS-focused research questions and produced individual analysis and project action plans alongside mentors. Daily participant evaluations assessed training quality.
RESULTS:
Thirteen fellows completed the training and developed CRVS data use projects addressing national public health priorities including maternal, neonatal, and under-five mortality, noncommunicable diseases, injuries and infectious diseases. Participant feedback demonstrated high relevance, clarity and quality of training materials. Facilitation by national experts and use of national data strengthened engagement, ownership and leadership skills. The CRVS training module was integrated into the UNIPH curriculum. A CRVS analytical product was institutionalized as a program requirement.
CONCLUSIONS:
Embedding country-led CRVS data use training within national epidemiology training programs strengthens public health workforce capacity and leadership for evidence-based decision making. Adaptation of prior training investments supported sustainability and institutionalization. This model demonstrates how CRVS capacity building contributes to developing a skilled public health workforce capable of translating data into action.
Civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems are essential for monitoring population health and informing policy, yet CRVS data remain underutilized in many low- and middle-income countries due to limited analytical capacity within the public health workforce and weak integration into routine public health practice. This initiative aimed to build CRVS data use capacity through a country-led training within Uganda’s national Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP).
METHODS:
A five-day CRVS data use workshop was conducted in November 2025 for Advanced FETP fellows. The training was developed and delivered with Ministry of Health, the National Identification and Registration Authority, and the Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) and aligned with the UNIPH curriculum. Government datasets including birth and death records, mortality surveillance data, and medical certification of cause of death data were used. Training content emphasized applied analysis, data visualization and translation of findings for public health action and leadership. Fellows developed CRVS-focused research questions and produced individual analysis and project action plans alongside mentors. Daily participant evaluations assessed training quality.
RESULTS:
Thirteen fellows completed the training and developed CRVS data use projects addressing national public health priorities including maternal, neonatal, and under-five mortality, noncommunicable diseases, injuries and infectious diseases. Participant feedback demonstrated high relevance, clarity and quality of training materials. Facilitation by national experts and use of national data strengthened engagement, ownership and leadership skills. The CRVS training module was integrated into the UNIPH curriculum. A CRVS analytical product was institutionalized as a program requirement.
CONCLUSIONS:
Embedding country-led CRVS data use training within national epidemiology training programs strengthens public health workforce capacity and leadership for evidence-based decision making. Adaptation of prior training investments supported sustainability and institutionalization. This model demonstrates how CRVS capacity building contributes to developing a skilled public health workforce capable of translating data into action.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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