We strategize with our partners to collect, synthesize and use information to inform, guide and monitor evidence-based responses to the HIV epidemic, malaria epidemic, maternal and newborn child health outcomes and other diseases and conditions. We build strong peer relationships with regional organizations, host-country governments and other key partners to develop innovative data systems that meet local needs and contribute to the host country’s national healthcare vision.

Initiatives

Capacity Building

UCSF supported Tanzania’s Mzumbe University in launching a Master of Science degree in Health Monitoring and Evaluation, the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa. The program is a full-time, rigorous two-year course covering a broad range of topics including public health, health management information systems, evaluation methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and strategic management, all framed in the context of monitoring and evaluation.

Cascade Analysis

We lead PEPFAR countries in the analysis, use and quality improvement of data collected to ensure high coverage, linkage and retention in HIV care and treatment.

Data Quality and Service Quality Assessment

We develop and implement capacity-building methods and tools for national, organizational and site-specific HIV data and service quality assessments. These assessments track the reporting and use of PEPFAR-required indicators for antiretroviral therapy (ART), prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and healthcare service delivery, and they provide context for quality of services.

We are maintaining and managing a regional surveillance database forthe Elimination 8 (E8) network of Southern African countries to inform the E8's ability to plan and respond to malaria case trends across borders and monitor progress towards malaria elimination.

Data Strengthening

We work with antenatal healthcare facilities to advance data collection systems in order to improve maternal and newborn health.

Malaria Border Clinic Assessment

We will be conducting a baseline assessment of malaria border clinics in the Elimination 8 to understand characteristics of mobile and migrant populations, including treatment-seeking behaviors and mobility patterns. Once the assessment is completed, we will complete an impact evaluation to see if the clinics are increasing access to health care in border areas and reducing importation of malaria from high transmission to low transmission areas.

Malaria Elimination Indicators

We developed minimum essential epidemiology and surveillance indicators to guide programs in producing malaria elimination indicators. These will be published in the World Health Organization’s most recent malaria elimination manual.

Systematic Reviews

We conduct systematic reviews of evidence-based literature to make recommendations regarding healthcare policy.

A Day in the Life of Data

The Preterm Birth Initiative-East Africa developed this video as part of their data strengthening work.