Strengthening NTD Monitoring & Evaluation: WHO/AFRO and ESPEN Lead Key Data Workshop for the African Region

16 Aug 2024

Brazzaville – The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), through its Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN), is proud to announce the launch of a pivotal data workshop aimed at enhancing the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) capacities of key stakeholders in Preventive Chemotherapy Neglected Tropical Diseases (PC-NTDs) programmes across the African region. This workshop addresses critical challenges in data accuracy, timeliness, and integration, which are essential for the success of NTD programs.

As the African region intensifies its efforts to eliminate NTDs, which continue to burden millions across the continent, the role of M&E becomes even more crucial. Reliable monitoring and evaluation systems provide the strategic information necessary to guide decision-making processes. However, challenges such as delayed data submissions, discrepancies between reported and actual data, and issues with data quality have hindered the ability to assess the true impact of NTD interventions.

"Monitoring and Evaluation is not just a technical requirement; it is the backbone of our interventions, determining their effectiveness and guiding our strategic decisions," stated Dr Elizabeth, Team Lead of the ESPEN team. "By improving the quality of our routine monitoring data and refining our evaluation methodologies, we can make informed decisions that positively influence public health outcomes at all levels—sub-national, national, and regional.”

A Collaborative Effort to Improve Data Quality

The workshop brings together key stakeholders, including data and M&E teams from NTD programs, implementers, and country partners, to collaborate and share best practices. The discussions will focus on four critical areas: strengthening mechanisms for data reporting for PC-NTD programs, with an emphasis on the Joint Application Package (JAP) reporting system established by WHO; enhancing supply chain management through more accurate mid- and long-term forecasting of medicines and integrating this process into national Logistics Management Information Systems (LMIS); integrating M&E and PC-NTD data into national health information systems, such as DHIS2 and HMIS; and conducting Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) to ensure the accuracy and reliability of NTD data. By addressing these areas, the workshop aims to improve the overall quality of NTD data reporting and its integration into national health systems.

Recognizing the need for sustained coordination and standardized practices, ESPEN will also propose the establishment of a permanent Monitoring & Evaluation Technical Committee. This committee will play a key role in harmonizing data collection, analysis, and reporting methodologies across the African region, ensuring that NTD data management practices are coherent and effective.

"This workshop is a critical platform for mutual learning and collaboration, enabling us to develop solutions tailored to our specific contexts," added Dr Elizabeth. "By enhancing surveillance systems, integrating health information systems, and fostering sustainable partnerships, we are laying the foundation for long-term success in the elimination of NTDs."

Strategic Outcomes for Public Health and Commitment to Long-Term Success

The outcomes of this workshop are expected to have a far-reaching impact on public health in the region. By enhancing the skills and knowledge of data teams, the workshop will lead to more accurate and comprehensive reporting, improved data quality, and better integration of NTD data into national health systems. The establishment of a permanent Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Committee marks a strategic move towards unified data management efforts, streamlining data practices, and bolstering the effectiveness of NTD interventions.

ESPEN and the WHO Regional Office for Africa remain committed to building resilient health systems, improving data management, and enhancing the capacity of countries in the African region to eliminate NTDs. The workshop's discussions and outcomes will contribute directly to these broader goals, providing the technical guidance and collaborative platforms needed to advance this critical work.

"I urge all of us here – national programme directors and partners – to commit to implementing the recommendations and strategies developed during this workshop. WHO is fully committed to supporting this endeavour by providing the required resources, technical assistance, and platforms for continued collaboration and knowledge sharing,” Dr. Elizabeth emphasized.

As this workshop concludes, it marks not just an event but a crucial step forward in the collective effort to eliminate NTDs in Africa. The commitment and collaboration fostered here will pave the way for more effective interventions, ultimately contributing to the health and well-being of millions across the continent.