By Jamesetta D. Williams
Liberia is showcasing a decade of progress and reforms in Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) at the 2026 Annual Expert Group Meeting for Registrar Generals (EGMRG) currently taking place in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
The meeting, held from July 17–21, 2026, brings together Registrar Generals, policymakers, technical experts, and development partners from across Africa to discuss strategies aimed at strengthening civil registration systems on the continent.
Representing Liberia at the continental gathering, Dr. Anthony L. Fortune, Assistant Minister for Vital Statistics at the Ministry of Health, presented the country’s ten-year CRVS journey, highlighting key achievements, lessons learned, and Liberia’s vision for improving civil registration services in the coming decade.
The meeting is being held under the theme: “New CRVS Decade (2026–2036): Consolidating the Gains of APAI-CRVS and Securing the Future of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Africa through Integration, Decentralization, and Digitalization.”
The theme focuses on building stronger and more accessible civil registration systems through improved coordination, decentralization of services, and the use of digital technologies.
Through the Division of Vital Statistics, Liberia continues to participate in regional efforts aimed at improving the registration of vital events, including births, deaths, and other important demographic information needed for national planning and development.
During his presentation, Dr. Fortune outlined Liberia’s progress over the past decade while emphasizing the importance of sustainable systems that ensure citizens have access to reliable civil documentation.
The African Registrar Generals Meeting provides a platform for countries to share experiences, identify challenges, and develop strategies to strengthen CRVS systems as a foundation for effective governance, public health planning, and social development.
Liberia’s participation reflects the country’s continued commitment to improving vital statistics systems and aligning with continental efforts to secure the future of civil registration across Africa.
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