Achieving WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 13) and its “Triple Billion” targets as well as the health-related SDGs would be impossible without robust data and science. As part of WHO’s transformation agenda, the Division of Data, Analytics and Delivery for Impact was established to improve measurement, focus on results and deliver impact. Since its creation, and amid historic challenges, the Division has laid a strong foundation for health information systems strengthening, data governance and country capacity-building that will accelerate progress across all levels of the Organization and in the communities we serve.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored this need and the importance of strong health information systems, but it has also shone a light on persistent data gaps and fragmentation that must be urgently addressed.
This progress update on data and delivery highlights key achievements and offers an exciting glimpse into the future. It also gratefully acknowledges the many collaborating centres and partners that are working with us to build sustained data and analytical capacities that support evidence-based policy dialogue and strategic health interventions.
By connecting data, analytics and delivery we will create a new powerhouse for country-focused health information that makes a measurable difference to lives and livelihoods, addresses inequalities and delivers measurable health impacts for all.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Director-General, World Health Organization