Digital transformation of vital statistics in Mexico: the case of the birth certificate

Zaragoza Jiménez et al.

Civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems are essential to guarantee the right to identity. They also generate key information for the planning and evaluation of health and social policies. This article aims to document the efforts made in Mexico to modernize and link vital statistics and the Civil Registry through innovative digital strategies, highlighting the implementation of the electronic birth certificate. Using a case study methodology, this special report describes the implementation of the electronic birth certificate and its regulatory and operational evolution. Finally, we analyze the results achieved so far in terms of the timeliness of the records. The integration and use of the electronic birth certificate in the 32 states has been successful, as evidenced by the high coverage and efficiency in birth registration. Its implementation has streamlined the birth registration process, improved data quality, optimized public policy planning, and facilitated compliance with international health and human rights obligations. The digitization of birth registration in Mexico represents a significant step forward in the digital transformation of the Civil Registry and vital statistics system, and in guaranteeing the right to identity.

Article's language
Spanish
Special report