West and Central Africa Recent years have seen advances in birth registration in West and Central Africa, which has its share of success stories. Liberia, for example, increased the level of birth certification from 4 per cent to 25 per cent between 2007 and 2013. However, birth registration levels have fluctuated in other countries, with some showing stagnation or even a decline. This slow progress, coupled with inconsistent trends, threatens to derail the region’s chances of meeting the 2030 target. However, if the region is able to accelerate progress in the coming years, then there could be far fewer unregistered children by the end of the SDG era than if observed trends continue. Recent advances will not be enough to put the SDG target within reach for the region FIGURE 28. Percentage of children under age 5 whose births are registered, observed and projected, in West and Central Africa 51% 40% 39% Around 2000 Around 2006 Today 2025 65% If progress is accelerated 55% If observed trends continue 2030 Eastern and Southern Africa Over the last two decades, Eastern and Southern Africa has seen no significant progress in birth registration. And because the rate of change has been so slow, even an acceleration among those countries that lag behind would only result in a marginal increase in the regional prevalence by 2030. Without substantial efforts and investment, the region will not be able to achieve birth registration for every child. The good news is that some countries, including Mozambique and Namibia, have demonstrated that progress is possible, and lessons on what worked should be explored and possibly replicated in other parts of the region. The target is out of reach, but some countries have exemplified progress FIGURE 29. Percentage of children under age 5 whose births are registered, observed and projected, in Eastern and Southern Africa 40% 34% Around 2000 53% If progress is accelerated 48% If observed trends continue 36% Around 2010 Today 2025 2030 Assessing progress and looking to 2030 33