Data utilization in public health has seen both successes and challenges over the years. On one hand, it has led to better decision-making in policy formulation, resource allocation, and program implementation at scale. On the other hand, there still persists issues on quality and timeliness of health data and a lack of culture of data-driven decision-making.

Also, there is fragmentation and lack of interoperability of data between different health information systems, making data integration from various sources a significant hurdle. Then there are disparities in data accessibility and availability, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Tom Frieden says, “The way we work in public health is, we make the best recommendations and decisions based on the best available data”. Data is important in public health because it helps to protect people, identify, prevent, and control outbreaks, and save lives.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving investment in technology, capacity-building, strengthening health information systems, and ensuring data governance frameworks to harness the full potential of data for public health.

Athena Infonomics, through its work in public health has brought forth skills and competencies around a variety of data collection and analytical techniques. For improvement in quality of care and access through point-of-care decision making, we offer digital application tools, mobile competency-based trainings for providers, collection and visualization of real time data to support program improvement.

Athena works closely with the stakeholders in the sector, institutionalizing scientific data use capacity and creating system level improvements to standardize measurement and signaling function of data within routine data systems. Using embedded analytics, data triangulation and data quality standards in routine systems, as tools for program governance to inform advocates, policy makers and investors.

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‍Shivani Kapoor is a Public Health Specialist.