Strengthening Family Planning Programs with Data: Creating a Culture of Data Demand and Use

Author(s): MEASURE Evaluation

Year: 2014 (Revised Nov. 2015)

Abstract:

Significant human and financial resources have been invested worldwide in the collection of health data on populations, services and communities. Unfortunately, this information is often not used by key stakeholders to effectively inform policy and programmatic decision making. The failure to consider empirical evidence before making decisions hinders the health system’s ability to respond to priority needs throughout its many levels. In an effort to address this problem, MEASURE Evaluation partnered with the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia (FGAE) to apply a comprehensive data demand and use (DDU) intervention within their organization. FGAE was selected as a partner because one of their donors, the Packard Foundation of Ethiopia, solicited help from MEASURE Evaluation to improve the use of data in decision making. The goal of the collaboration was to institutionalize DDU tools, curricula and strategies into FGAE’s official structure and work plans thus diffusing it throughout the organization. This case study explains how MEASURE Evaluation and FGAE adapted a DDU intervention to build a culture of data use within FGAE.