Mortality statistics of Burma

Abstract

In this thesis an attempt is made to study the mortality statistics of Burma. It is mainly based on the fourteen years [1965-1978) published vital registration data collected by the Central Statistical Organisation and the Directorate of Health. Death registration is deficient in many ways and the official death rates are found to be lower than the perceived rates. Leading causes of death are pneumonia, tuberculosis, diseases of the heart, enteritis and diarrhoea diseases, cancer, accidents, perinatal mortality and bronchitis. Burmese mortality pattern follows the pre-industrial mortality pattern with high mortality at extreme ages. There are indications of declining mortality during 1950-1978 and that mortality reduction has stabilized since 1971 and further improvement is not likely for a considerable period. Successful implementation of death registration in Burma lies in strengthening the trained staff coupled with more co-ordination and co-operation between concerned departments. More exposure of the objectives of death registration to the general mass as national movement under the guidance of Burma Socialist Program Party is a promising aid for future death registration of Burma.