Compendium of data and evidence-related tools for use in TB planning and programming

Book excerpt: Over the past two decades, there has been a considerable increase in the number of tools to generate, analyse and use data and evidence, to support discussion and decision-making by national TB programmes (NTPs). Increasingly, countries are developing more robust national surveillance systems; implementing multiple health surveys; and using data analysis and visualization tools in policy, planning, programming and investment decisions. However, as more data are generated and data analysis tools evolve and increase in number, it can be challenging to understand how, why and when these tools should be implemented. The document summarizes information about the key tools related to data and evidence that are available for use in tuberculosis (TB) planning and programming, and how they can be applied. The tools that are profiled are described in terms of how they fit within the People-centred framework for TB programme planning and prioritization. It can also be used independently to inform decisions taken by NTPs about the implementation of the tools included in this document. Together with the people-centred framework, this compendium aims to enable better use of data and evidence for TB programme planning at both the national and subnational levels. It is designed to help NTPs and their national stakeholders to understand how and when different data and evidence-related tools could be used.