Abstract
Even though digitization is widely recognized as one of the most imperative trends in achieving effective urban governance, digital infrastructure remains far from the global trend in many African countries. This paper proposes a novel, resilient data manipulation architecture model called the Birth Notification Verification Model (BNVM) using blockchain and smart contracts. The proposed solution was evaluated in a real-world use case scenario in Ghana. The model, which is based on the Ten Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Framework, focuses on the initial inputs for birth registration at the birth notification level. The approach presented in this study paves the way for the creation of decentralized, secure, transparent, and automated systems for civil registration. The application of a smart contract architecture that blends a centralized design with an on-chain and off-chain architecture is further supported by this, providing more evidence of its viability. It offers a safe verification framework for the Ghana Birth and Death Registry based on smart contract technology and can guarantee a birth notification as proof of birth certificate registration in accordance with international standards. The findings provide insight into the use of blockchain technology in public registry institutions. Furthermore, exploring its adoption and implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa contributes to the growing field of blockchain technology research and demonstrates how the concept will address long-standing issues with corruption and security in developing countries.
Funder
National Social Science Fund of China
Shanghai Pujiang Program
Subject
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Reference37 articles.
1. A Vademecum on Blockchain Technologies: When, Which, and How
2. Blockchain in Office Building Transactions;Wouda,2019
3. CRVS Best-Practice and Advocacy: Understanding CRVS Systems: The Importance of Process Mapping;De Savigny,2018
4. Current state of crvs;Proceedings of the CRVS Innovations Conference,2018
5. A global assessment of civil registration and vital statistics systems: monitoring data quality and progress