Provision of birth registration services in Zambia's Kabwe District: Measures and challenges

Abstract

Target 16.9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires all countries to achieve universal birth registration by the year 2030. However, about 150 million (2 in 10) children remain unregistered globally. Zambia has the second-lowest registration rate in the world, with only 14% of children registered. Only 23% of children in Kabwe District are registered. This research examined measures undertaken to improve birth registration in Kabwe District and the associated challenges. It was a descriptive and qualitative study guided by systems theory. Primary data, analysed thematically, were gathered through interviews held with eight key informants from the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship (DNRPC) and the Ministry of Health (MoH). Secondary data obtained from publications were analysed documentarily. The research discovered that birth registration in Kabwe District was based on the interaction among institutional, financial, legal, technological and social measures and challenges. Using mostly state funding, the DNRPC collaborated with MoH to enforce legislation aimed at providing mandatory, free and decentralised birth registration services. Technology was incorporated to bring about interoperability, digitisation and automation. Awareness and sensitisation campaigns were carried out. However, birth certificates were not required to access public services. Insufficient funding led to inadequate infrastructure and personnel, making it difficult to properly incorporate technology and undertake social measures. If these challenges are not addressed, they will hamper Kabwe District’s and Zambia’s ability to attain universal birth registration by 2030. The research recommends the mandatory use of birth certificates for accessing health services and school enrolment.