Countries need reliable information on how many people die, when they die and what causes their deaths to make informed decisions about health priorities and resource allocation, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.
In its latest report on the leading causes of death, WHO highlights the importance of accurate mortality data in identifying populations at risk, monitoring health trends and evaluating whether health interventions are working.
However, collecting accurate and complete information on deaths remains a challenge, particularly in low-income countries, where death registration systems are often fragmented, incomplete or inconsistent.
Without reliable records, governments may struggle to determine the main causes of death in their populations and identify where health interventions are most urgently needed.
WHO says mortality data can guide decisions beyond the health sector, including policies on transportation, agriculture and environmental protection.
The organisation is promoting the use of international standards through the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), a digital platform designed to support timely and accurate reporting of causes of death.
WHO also emphasises that mortality information should be broken down by factors such as age, sex and geographical location to reveal inequalities and identify communities facing the greatest health risks.
The findings highlight the importance of investing in systems that generate reliable health information, not just for documenting deaths but also for improving population health.
Source: WHO – The top 10 causes of death, published 2 October 2026.
