Report of the first meeting of the WHO Reference Group on Health Statistics (RGHS)

Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) Reference Group on Health Statistics (RGHS) provides advice on population-health related statistics of relevance to WHO. Given recent developments in global health, with an increased focus on monitoring and accountability, as well as advances in population health measurement, WHO has reviewed the role, responsibilities, scope and membership of the Reference Group to ensure that WHO and its Member States continue to benefit from the best possible scientific and strategic advice in the generation, use, interpretation, and dissemination of health statistics. WHO is looking to accelerate efforts among global partners, including academic and research groups, to improve analytical capacity and data collection systems in countries. 

The first meeting of the RGHS with renewed membership took place in Geneva from 9-10 December 2019, attended by global experts in health statistics, including experts from national statistical offices and ministries of health, observers, and the WHO Secretariat. The agenda and list of participants are attached (Annexes A, B). 

Each selected member of the RGHS has been appointed by WHO for a term of three years (December 2019 – December 2022).