In this first module we will discuss the importance of the correct certification of cause of death and the role of medical doctors in producing reliable causes of death statistics.

At the end of this module you should be able to demonstrate the competencies to:

-Explain the importance of correct cause of death certification for accurate mortality statistics and public health policy and the planning and allocation of resources,

-Discuss the current quality of cause of death certification in the country,

-Explain the role of medical doctors, as part of the official mortality system, for improving the quality of cause of death certification, and

-Discuss the legal, ethical and confidentiality issues related to cause of death certification.