I started my work with USAID in March 2005 writing some of the first indicator reference guides. Over the years, my work has evolved from working with the strategic information team on the basic structure of PEPFAR reporting with other agencies to contributing to a global system with routine monitoring and surveillance. Both the resources available to do the work and the areas we are exploring have expanded tremendously since I started.
I'm proud of how we've managed to ensure that our data collection centers the individual’s right to privacy and personal autonomy. We are dealing with very sensitive information that really affects people's dignity, safety, and sense of well-being.
I'm proud of how I've managed to ensure that our data collection includes a humane perspective—that we respect the right of people to decline testing, that we don't deter people from pursuing education (because then that "wouldn't count"), that we don't put anyone's life at risk because of a false sense of 'need to know.'
My fondest experience of my time working in PEPFAR is all the relationships I have because of it. I have forged wonderful friendships with colleagues in DC and around the world: Ghana, Haiti, Cameroon, Nigeria, Botswana, Eswatini, South Africa, and Ukraine. They celebrate with you on the victories and console you on the losses. While every team I have worked with is special, right now my Ukrainian colleagues are foremost in my mind every day. Their dedication and persistence under extreme conditions are heroic.
I'm proud of the work we have been able to do to demonstrate that this is a good investment and deserves sustained funding—in a tight budget environment, that's no small feat. We have the data to show the millions of lives saved.
Jessica Rose is a Senior Technical Advisor in USAID's Office of HIV/AIDS
