Measuring excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in low- and lower-middle income countries: the need for mobile phone surveys

In low income and lower-middle income countries, data from civil registration systems do not allow monitoring excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapid mobile phone surveys aimed at measuring mortality trends on a monthly basis are a realistic and safe option for filling that data gap. The data generated by mobile phone surveys can play a key role in better targeting areas or population groups most affected by the pandemic. They can also help monitor the impact of interventions and programs, and rapidly identify what works in mitigating the impact of COVID-19.