Introducing our DataVax Portfolio in Nigeria: an interconnected approach to unlocking vaccine data-for-decision-making
We are now working on the next phase of our work in Nigeria with support from Dev-Afrique Development Advisors and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
Today, we’re introducing three Nigerian organisations that are implementing our portfolio of Vaccine Data CoLab interventions: a trio of interconnected solutions focused on data sharing policy, data-driven decision-making tools, and capacity development. All three work together to empower data-driven immunisation and are in line with the NPHCDA’s vision of adapting the use of data for efficient decision making in improving access and quality of basic health services in Nigeria.
Our grant-making approach was built by working closely with national and local stakeholders through a vaccine data landscape report and a strategy-to-action workshop in January 2023 convened by Vaccine Data CoLab and Dev-Afrique. Together, we identified high-priority areas for interventions that, together, can unlock the power of data for a resilient health system. Our findings show that we need hyperlocal data systems that empower frontline decision-makers to deliver targeted vaccine campaigns.
Investing in local expertise
After running a competitive call for proposals, the CoLab has been funding 4 projects implemented by 3 partners since May 2023. The projects enable:
- Capacity development that uses human-centred design approaches to equip frontliners to action insight and develop targeted vaccine programs.
- Better data sharing and interoperability
- Decision-making tools such as machine-learning powered dashboards and geospatial maps of zero-dose populations and related social determinants
We are pleased to share that Vaccine Data CoLab is investing in and testing, solutions with:
- Brooks Insight — an independent consulting firm committed to providing evidence-based insights for improved health and development through research, programme monitoring and evaluation, knowledge product development, capacity building, and technical support. The firm has worked on a wide range of health and development issues, including vaccine delivery, maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. Brooks Insight will be implementing the Strengthening Capacity for Immunization Data Use (SCID) project with their grant.
- Sydani Group — a management consulting firm with expertise in the design and implementation of diverse impactful policies, programmes, and practices that drive development. Sydani have expertise across in sectors including health, agriculture, energy, education, climate change, and human capacity development. Sydani will be implementing 2 grants: VacInsights and DG4Health.
- Corona Management Systems (CMS) — CMS specialises in providing technical and management support to programmes and implementing innovative projects in health and social development. With experience working within Nigeria’s health system including the immunisation ecosystem, CMS has provided technical support to vaccine introductions, strengthening immunisation data quality, as well as for routine immunisation and primary healthcare systems strengthening in Nigeria. CMS will be implementing the Geospatial Dashboard on Zero Dose communities grant.
Working together on innovative solutions: Below we share more information about the interventions our partners are delivering and testing.
Intervention: Capacity Development: Strengthening Capacity for Immunization Data Use (SCID)
Partner: Brooks Insight
Capacity for Immunisation Data Use is an approach that aims to strengthen capacity of programme managers and health workers through a human-centred design (HCD) approach for tailored immunisation programs. Their goal is to empower Programme Managers and Health Workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to use data effectively, reduce vaccine underutilisation, and address the issue of zero-dose children in Nigeria. The project aligns with global immunisation priorities and supports the Nigeria Strategy for Immunisation and PHC System Strengthening (NSIPSS).
Intervention: Data Governance framework: DG4Health
Partner: Sydani Group
Data Governance 4 Health is a comprehensive data governance framework specifically designed for immunisation and other health programme areas. The project will optimise data management in the health sector, ensuring more efficient and effective immunisation and health programmes in Nigeria through advocating for an effective and sustainable health data governance system for immunisation. The framework is designed to be inclusive and participatory, allowing for adaptability to other health areas.
Intervention: Data-Driven Decision-Making Tools: Geospatial Dashboard
Partner: Corona Management Systems
Geospatial Dashboard for Zero Dose Children & missed communities — Corona Management Systems is developing a geospatial dashboard which integrates data from diverse sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of immunisation gaps. Through this data, the aim is to identify specific areas with zero dose children and missed vaccinations, enabling decision-makers to allocate resources effectively. The objective is to decrease inequities in immunisation and primary healthcare coverage by addressing the structural determinants through data-driven geospatial analyses.
Intervention: Data-Driven Decision-Making Tools: VacInsight
Partner: Sydani Group
VacInsight — Sydani are developing VacInsight — a web-based decision-aid tool that utilises hyperlocal vaccine data from various sources. Sydani will explore employing a machine learning algorithm to analyse and visualise the data, identifying trends and generating actionable insights. The main objective is to develop a platform to generate data-driven recommendations for informed decision-making at state and LGA levels (Cross River State & Jigawa State), and to build the capacity of government stakeholders at the state and LGA levels to use the platform to make data-driven decisions.
Moving towards a better future
We are optimistic that these interventions will generate impact and rich learnings that will help Nigeria respond to both the opportunities and challenges identified in the vaccine data landscape. Working with our partners, we are confident we can help realise the ‘better future’ statement we jointly developed with key stakeholders back in January in Abuja of “making Nigeria a one-stop shop for data and insight that can be trusted and used effectively for planning and decision making” by the year 2030.
