By: Problyn John Alpha
Sierra Leone through the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has joined other African countries to celebrate this year’s Africa Civil Registration and vital statistics day on the Theme “The potential to increase coverage, improve quality and timelines data through digitalization of Civil Registration”.
The Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics day is celebrated on the 10th August every year with the principal aim of increasing public awareness on the importance of timely registration of vital events particularly births and deaths through well-functioning civil Registration and vital statistics system.
The day according to report is special for Africans to celebrate their heritage particularly with regard to the recognition of the legal identity from birth to death of all persons and confirmation of key human and Civil rights including the rights to recognition under the law, the rights to participate in society and economic, and the rights to access social services.
Daniel Matturie is the Kono district registration coordinator National Civil Registration Authority in an interview stressed on the importance of the day noting the essence of the day is great as it enhances easy identification of citizens of every Africa country and ensures equitable distribution by the government of a particular state.
Matturie noted that the celebration was never observed in the district as compared to the previous years due to financial challenges the Authority is faced with.
Amidst the numerous challenges NCRA has been in constant engagement with various communities in the district in order to raise awareness on the importance of the National identity cards, Coordinator Matturie stated.
He implored all and sundry to collect their national ID cards for easy and authentic identification purposes as he defined civil Registration as the universal compulsory continuous, permanent and confidential recording of all vital events adding Civil Registration provides individuals with special instruments which allow them to prove with incontrovertible facts regarding their existence, identity, personal and family situation thus it’s an invaluable source for comprehensive regular and detailed vital statistics.