Framework to Prioritize Global TB Data

Background

Strengthening routine data systems for tuberculosis (TB) surveillance is crucial in tracking the disease, monitoring the effectiveness of TB programs and preventing the spread of this serious disease. However, routine data and surveillance systems do not capture all the desired data for TB program planning and decision making. Therefore, there are many data- and evidence-related tools (e.g. surveys, assessments, studies) currently in use to help countries collect additional TB-related data or analyze routine TB data. While these data tools are important and useful, implementation of such data tools is often inefficient and can place an extensive burden on Ministries of Health and implementing partners.

Project Overview

Phase 1

Phase 1 of the project was conducted from January 2021 through August 2023. With funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the CDC Foundation worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis to assess the use and usefulness of supplemental TB data tools (data tools that are outside of routine TB surveillance systems). Phase 1 of this project resulted in the development of best practices for more effective and efficient planning and implementation of TB-related tools and the conceptualization of a framework to help guide countries to select and prioritize appropriate tools based on their data needs and optimally plan for their implementation.

Read the full Phase 1 report and report annexes.

Phase 2

We are currently in the second phase of the TB Data Optimization project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It is a two-year project that began in September 2023, with two intended deliverables: a fully developed and piloted “Framework to prioritize TB data- and evidence-related tools” and an updated version of the World Health Organization (WHO)’s “Compendium of data and evidence-related tools for use in TB planning and programming.” These combined outputs are meant to be used by national TB programs and their partners to support strategic planning related to TB data.