Revealing the toll of COVID-19: a technical package for rapid mortality surveillance and epidemic response

Abstract

The purpose of this document is to provide practical guidance to implement rapid mortality surveillance (RMS) and measure excess mortality in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on implementation in low resource settings. This includes settings with largely paper-based systems of data collection. The guiding principles of RMS should be those that pertain to any system innovation: country ownership and leadership; capacity building; adaptability; and sustainability. This Technical Package is one of several global resources developed and supported by WHO and partners, including those of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Data for Health Initiative.