Since March 2020, worldwide countries were heavily affected by the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As consequence, due to direct–indirect effects of the pandemic populations have experienced changes on mortality levels, and in addition we also verified changes in fertility schedules caused by long periods of lockdowns, postponement of parenthood intentions of couples in response to the uncertain scenario brought by the pandemic. 

In this context, the knowledge about the quality of national and sub-national vital statistics systems is essential for monitoring pandemic impacts, understanding the health conditions, demographic dynamics of population and to guide policy makers. However, some middle and many low-income countries do not have suitable vital statistics and civil registration. Hence, this special issue aims to gather worldwide research experiences about fertility and mortality estimates using different methods and data sources with heterogenous quality, giving special attention to the context of COVID-19 pandemic.