On 23 October 2026, RemediumOne was honoured to host Professor Prabhat Jha from Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, for an engaging lecture exploring the importance of mortality studies, with a particular focus on verbal autopsy and its potential to transform public health research and policy in Sri Lanka.

The event brought together over 120 clinicians, public health specialists, researchers and academics, creating a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, professional engagement and discussion on the importance of reliable cause-of-death information.

Understanding Verbal Autopsy: Making Every Death Count

A central focus of the lecture was verbal autopsy, a structured interview conducted with family members or caregivers of someone who has died. By documenting the symptoms, signs and circumstances preceding a death, verbal autopsy helps identify the most probable underlying cause when a medically certified cause of death is unavailable.

This approach is particularly important in Sri Lanka, where many deaths occur outside healthcare facilities. Although the country has a strong death registration system, the accuracy and usefulness of recorded causes of death remain a challenge, particularly for deaths occurring at home.

Through structured interviews and physician review, verbal autopsy can generate valuable evidence about what people are dying from, helping reveal mortality patterns that may otherwise remain hidden.

Turning Mortality Data into Public Health Action

The discussion highlighted how reliable mortality data can support evidence-informed decision-making and strengthen health systems.

Verbal autopsy has the potential to:

• Identify under-reported and misclassified causes of death.
• Improve understanding of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Reveal neglected causes of mortality, including suicide, poisoning, snakebite and injuries.
• Support more effective public health planning and resource allocation.
• Strengthen research, surveillance and evidence-based policymaking.

Drawing on international experiences, including India’s Million Death Study and other large-scale mortality research initiatives, Professor Jha highlighted how systematic mortality studies can generate evidence that informs national health policies and prevention strategies.

Strengthening Sri Lanka’s Public Health Evidence

For Sri Lanka, advancing verbal autopsy offers an important opportunity to build on the country’s existing civil registration system and strengthen the quality of cause-of-death information.

More reliable and representative mortality data can help policymakers and public health professionals better understand the health challenges facing different communities, identify emerging priorities and direct interventions where they are needed most.

The lecture also provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of collaboration among clinicians, researchers, universities, public health institutions and policymakers in advancing mortality research.

A Meaningful Exchange of Knowledge and Collaboration

We were delighted to welcome over 120 participants whose engagement and thoughtful contributions made the session a meaningful platform for professional dialogue.

Our sincere appreciation goes to Professor Prabhat Jha for sharing his knowledge and international experience, and to the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka for their valued partnership and support in making this event a success.

We also thank all clinicians, researchers, public health professionals and participants who joined us.

At RemediumOne, we believe that better health outcomes begin with better evidence. By strengthening mortality research and supporting initiatives such as verbal autopsy, we can turn information into insight, insight into policy, and policy into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.

Because understanding why people die is an essential step towards helping more people live.