South Asia South Asia has made notable progress in birth registration, largely driven by improvements in Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Birth registration levels in the region as a whole have tripled, from around 23 per cent nearly two decades ago to 70 per cent today. Nevertheless, achievement of universal birth registration by 2030 is likely to fall short for the region. Efforts will need to accelerate dramatically in Afghanistan and Pakistan in particular. Birth registration levels have tripled over the last 20 years FIGURE 23. Percentage of children under age 5 whose births are registered, observed and projected, in South Asia 99% If progress is accelerated 94% If observed trends continue 70% 29% 23% Around 2000 Around 2011 Today 2025 2030 East Asia and the Pacific Historically, birth registration levels have been relatively high in East Asia and the Pacific, with a period of about 10 years in which no progress was observed. Nevertheless, recent years have witnessed an increased rate of change. The region as a whole could see the achievement of universal birth registration by 2030, but only if certain conditions are met: Countries that are on track towards the 2030 target, such as Cambodia and Indonesia, must sustain their rate of progress; countries with slow progress, such as the Philippines, must match the average rate of change seen in countries that are on track; and countries where progress has stalled or declined, such as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, must be able to correct their course. Universal birth registration could be achieved under certain conditions FIGURE 24. Percentage of children under age 5 whose births are registered, observed and projected, in East Asia and the Pacific 100% 99% 91% 80% 81% Around 2000 Around 2010 Today 2025 If progress is accelerated If observed trends continue 2030 Assessing progress and looking to 2030 29