Data-informed decision making to end HIV and TB | Global HIV and TB

Overview

CDC is the lead technical agency implementing the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). CDC’s world-renowned experts use many sources of data to understand the nuances of these rapidly evolving diseases. These data help inform strategies for global HIV and TB-related programs as well as country-specific programs and efforts. By centering data in planning and implementation, CDC ensures that policies, recommendations, and decisions are evidence-based, effective, and impact-oriented.

Routine monitoring prevents new infections

CDC works closely with ministries of health to establish and improve disease surveillance systems that measure existing and new HIV and TB infections. Data from these surveillance systems is analyzed to:

Identify where the burden or risk of HIV and TB infections is higher. Identify which populations or communities are at greater risk. Understand factors that influence the spread of these diseases.

These analyzes also help identify patterns of where infections occur and critical times where public health programs can help end or curb the spread of these diseases. Data are the basis and guidelines for evidence-based programs and policies that protect the public’s health and safety. CDC’s routine data collection and analytical efforts play a key role in preventing new infections. In addition to saving lives, it reduces the economic toll of HIV- and TB-related illness and death.

Population-based surveys show progress and gaps

CDC works with partners to implement population-based HIV impact assessments, commonly referred to as “PHIAs.” These HIV-focused household surveys are the international standard for measuring the state of the HIV epidemic among the general population.

Since 2015, PHIAs help to:

Understand the progress of HIV programs and identify remaining gaps. Help inform evidence-based approaches to achieve HIV epidemic control targets in partner countries. Measures HIV incidence, prevalence, treatment, viral load suppression, and HIV-associated behavioral risk factors. Identify where resources should be focused for the greatest impact.

CDC works with government, academic, and civic partners to use data from these national surveys. This work helps improve the effectiveness and efficiency of programs designed to achieve national and global HIV epidemic control goals. Data from CDC-supported PHIAs show that several countries have already met or exceeded global HIV epidemic control targets. To achieve and maintain epidemic control, CDC and partners are using PHIA data to find persons living with previously undiagnosed HIV infections, connect them to life-saving treatment, and achieve viral load suppression.

Understanding HIV burden and needs of people at higher risk

CDC supports biobehavioral surveys (BBS) that provide estimates of HIV burden and risk factors among populations at higher risk for HIV infection. These populations include sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people and people who inject drugs.

BBS surveys help partner countries to understand the needs of people at increased risk. Data describing the number of people at higher risk and HIV service use help countries make informed decisions for planning and resources.

CDC experts provide technical assistance to countries conducting these surveys and then work with partners to apply the insights gained. The results help country partners make data-driven, real-time adjustments in national, regional and local HIV programming. CDC efforts increase efficiency and improve health outcomes for people at higher risk.

Economic Analysis: Value, Accountability and Efficiency

CDC economists analyze financial and economic data to improve HIV and TB programs in PEPFAR-supported countries and strengthen impact. CDC works with these countries and partners to evaluate the cost and impact of HIV and TB programs. From these analyses, CDC helps identify areas that can be more efficient – saving more lives while reducing costs. CDC’s economics, in collaboration with partners, identifies creative solutions to drive efficient, accountable and sustainable programs.

Build sustainable data systems

HIV and TB programs rely on data to improve prevention and treatment services. Effective data collection systems require sustained investment, routine maintenance, well-trained personnel, and constant evaluation and improvement.

CDC also plays a critical role in ensuring that data collection systems can be sustained by partner governments by providing technical assistance to integrate them into national public health systems. Building sustainable and responsive systems advances efforts in countries where we work as they begin to develop and implement roadmaps to take full ownership of their national HIV programs.

CDC-supported information and laboratory systems are critical not only to HIV and TB programs, but also to public health preparedness. Strong data collection systems are an essential part of public health infrastructure that can be quickly reused or deployed to respond to emerging health threats.

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