Keywords
Non-registration of children
Civil registration
Health planning
Health Zone
How to Cite
Abstract
The non-registration of children in civil registration systems constitutes a major barrier to effective health planning, particularly in low-resource settings. In the Kalonda Ouest Health Zone, the limited availability of reliable data complicates the estimation of health needs, the organization of vaccination activities, and the monitoring of maternal and child health indicators. This study examines the impact of this situation and identifies factors associated with birth registration. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 285 households, supplemented by interviews with healthcare providers and civil registration officers. Participants were selected using a three-stage cluster sampling approach. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, documentary reviews of civil registration and DHIS2/SNIS records, and direct observations. Factors associated with birth registration were analyzed using logistic regression. Among the children surveyed, 61.8% were not registered, and only 10.9% were fully vaccinated. The multivariate model shows that birth registration is influenced by parents’ perceived benefits, access to healthcare, completeness of vaccination, and collaboration between civil registration and health services. Conversely, parental education level and occupation were not associated with registration after adjustment. Non-registration significantly hampers the planning of healthcare activities. Discussion and Conclusion: The low rate of birth registration undermines the quality of health planning in the Kalonda Ouest Health Zone. Strengthening interinstitutional collaboration, enhancing community awareness, and integrating birth registration into vaccination services are priority strategies to improve coverage and the effectiveness of health interventions.
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