Mortality statistics are an important tool for the knowledge of the epidemiological profile of a population and, therefore, for planning actions in the health area. In Brazil, they are elaborated since 1975 by the Mortality Information System of the Ministry of Health, and has an estimated coverage of 82%, varying through out the country. Concerning the accuracy of data, it is in course a gradual improvement, but there are, still, about 14% of deaths classified as ill defined. The objective of this paper is to show the accuracy of mortality and morbidity statistics related to chronic non-communicable diseases. Critics and commentaries are done, based on national and international investigations. It was possible to conclude that although they are not completely exact or accurate, these statistics are very relevant for epidemiological evaluations. It is important to say that the Brazilian mortality statistics, by the quality point of view, presents the similar accuracy then any other country with a long tradition in the area of health statistics.
Mortality statistics; Accuracy; Morbidity statistics
