Translating Data for Implementation (Data.FI)

Translating Data for Implementation (Data.FI) is a global project that helps countries strengthen and sustain access to key, high-quality data to accelerate and maintain HIV and COVID-19 epidemic control and guide informed decision making on other health priorities at the national and subnational levels.

To accomplish this, we support countries to assess, develop, interoperate, and scale information systems with the goal of strengthening HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services, as well as vaccination services to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data.FI is also developing roadmaps to strengthen health information systems related to family planning (FP), nutrition, and neonatal health (NH).

GEOGRAPHICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC APPROACH

In Guatemala, Data.FI supports the leadership of the Ministry of Health (MSPAS) and works in collaboration with implementing partners of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other relevant stakeholders. The technical assistance provided by Data.FI strengthens health information systems at the national and local level to benefit all Guatemalans.

CONTEXT AND CHALLENGES

With the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic, MSPAS faced various challenges to disseminate timely information to decision makers, technical specialists, and the general population.

In response, Data.FI provides end-to-end solutions in the data ecosystem that serve public health goals and protect clients’ rights, such as streamlining information needs to build sustainable and scalable data systems that support continuity of client care and robust analysis. These solutions provide rapid insight for decision making and employ evidence-based approaches to support meaningful data-informed change to save lives. This work strengthens government capacity for health information system governance and builds local partner capabilities in line with USAID’s sustainability goals.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

In Guatemala, Data.FI developed a framework to guide the national data use strategy for COVID-19 control, which includes a set of priority indicators to strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to the pandemic. Data.FI and MSPAS have established technical working groups (TWGs) on epidemiology, case management, laboratory, vaccination, and supply chain management. A similar TWG is also in place to improve HIV systems.

These TWGs provide a space to review and document process and information flows, as well as roles and functions that affect the collection, management, and availability of data. This information is used to assess operational guidelines for existing information systems, and to propose improvements. Proposed actions include eliminating duplicative and redundant tasks, re-utilizing available records, and other recommendations for strengthening systems, improving information management, and building capacity for data analysis. This work is being implemented together with the MSPAS Health Management Information System (SIGSA) and at the local level, in five Health Area Directorates: Huehuetenango, Ixil, Quetzaltenango, Quiché, and San Marcos. These efforts are serving to strengthen the overall health information ecosystem in Guatemala and strengthen access to reliable, timely data for the COVID-19 and HIV response, as well as for FP, NH, and nutrition.