Bridging Borders, Boosting Birth Registration

In the heart of West Africa, two UNICEF colleagues are rewriting the narrative of birth registration. Hilda Mensah from Ghana and Elizabeth Kendor-Okai from Liberia, members of the inaugural cohort of the WCAR Office’s Peer Support and Mentoring Program, have embarked on a journey that's as inspiring as it is impactful.

Their story is a testament to the power of cross-border collaboration. Through the program, Hilda and Elizabeth swapped roles, spending a week each in their counterpart’s country. This immersive experience allowed them to witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs of birth registration initiatives.

"I was blown away by Liberia's commitment to making birth registration free for children under 12," Hilda shared. "It’s a bold step that’s yielding incredible results. Their registration rate has skyrocketed from 4% in 2007 to 66% in 2020. It's a testament to UNICEF's unwavering support to governments in advancing universal birth registration."

Meanwhile, Elizabeth was equally impressed by Ghana’s innovative approach. "Their 'Weighing Room' concept, where multiple essential services are offered under one roof, is a game-changer. It ensures that no child leaves without the critical care they need."

Both countries have made significant strides in decentralizing birth registration services, bringing them closer to communities. Liberia’s mobile registration campaigns in remote areas and Ghana’s response to the Sahel crisis through mobile registration services are shining examples of this commitment.

But it’s not just about reaching children; it’s about data. Digital transformation has been a cornerstone of progress. Online registration, digital birth certificates, and integrated information systems are streamlining processes and providing invaluable data for informed decision-making.

“I realized the profound impact of a robust Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system,” Hilda reflected. “It's a catalyst for progress, providing essential data for effective planning and monitoring. Ultimately, it's about improving the lives of children.”

Inspired by their experiences, Hilda and Elizabeth are returning home with renewed vigor. As Elizabeth puts it, "This program has been a game-changer. It's boosted my confidence and equipped me with new tools to accelerate our work in Liberia."

Their story is a powerful reminder of the impact we can achieve when we work together, learn from each other, and embrace innovation. It’s a testament to the dedication of our colleagues and the transformative power of our work.