Gaps and Opportunities in Death Certification and Mortality Reporting Systems in Libya: A Framework-Based Documentary Analysis

Abstract

Accurate death certification and mortality reporting are essential for reliable Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems and evidence-based health planning. This study conducted a framework-based documentary analysis of Libya’s death certification and mortality reporting systems using national legislation, institutional reports, technical guidance, and relevant scientific and international publications. The documents were analysed against World Health Organization (WHO) CRVS standards, focusing on death registration and certification, cause-of-death reporting and ICD coding, institutional coordination, data quality, and dissemination. We analysed 38 documents published between 1968 and 2026. The findings showed that Libya has important structural foundations, including a comprehensive legal framework, mandatory death registration, and expanding electronic registration. However, gaps were identified in the availability and dissemination of guidance, standardisation of cause-of-death certification, ICD coding capacity, institutional coordination, routine data quality assurance, and dissemination of mortality statistics. Strengthening operational guidance and training, improving institutional coordination and data quality mechanisms, and ensuring timely dissemination of mortality data could enhance the quality, completeness, and usefulness of mortality statistics in Libya.