Recommendations for PEPFAR to improve data collection, use, distribution

Noting the release of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) PEPFAR evaluation and an October 2012 report of the Data Working Group (DWG) of PEPFAR's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), Mead Over and Rachel Silverman of the Center for Global Development propose in the group's "Global Health Policy" blog "four recommendations where there seems to be agreement and feasible opportunities to improve PEPFAR's collection, utilization, and dissemination of data and knowledge." The recommendations include "establish[ing] and maintain[ing] a PEPFAR public access knowledge portal"; "strengthen[ing] and streamlin[ing] HIV/AIDS program indicators"; "requir[ing] each future grantee and contractor to submit a standardized, realistic, and contractually binding 'Data Management Plan' that conforms to specific PEPFAR guidance"; and "expand[ing] the collection, application, and sharing of budget, expenditure and cost data through the Expenditure Analysis initiative," according to the authors (2/25).