Key activities under Data Analysis & Use

Programme Data Analysis:

Routine programme data analysis is one of the most important activities for measuring the programme performance, which helps to take informed decisions and course corrections, if necessary.

In addition to this, with the objective of systematically analysing the available program data, the National Data Analysis Plan (NDAP) activities are done periodically with following objectives:

• To identify topics/thematic areas that can be studied by analysing available programme data.
• To structure analysis by identifying key questions and appropriate methodologies/tools for analysis.
• To commission analysis through a collaborative approach involving institutes, programme units and senior experts as mentors, with agreed timelines.
• To consolidate, discuss and disseminate the analytical outcomes for programmatic use.
• To promote scientific writing within the programme in the form of scientific papers, articles, reports, and briefs.

Secondary Data Analysis

Background:

Secondary data analysis plays a vital role in strengthening the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) in India by transforming existing data into actionable evidence for policy, programming, and resource optimisation. As a cost-effective and efficient research approach, it leverages routinely collected information from surveillance systems, programme reports, research studies, and health information systems to assess trends, outcomes, and gaps in HIV responses across the country.

Through systematic analysis of secondary data sources, NACO is able to:

• Identify gaps and disparities in access, uptake, and outcomes that might not be apparent in primary data collection alone
• Evaluate programme performance across States/UTs, key populations, and service delivery components-including testing, treatment, prevention, and care services
• Monitor trends in HIV prevalence, incidence, and risk behaviours over time, informing priority setting and targeted interventions
• Support evidence-informed decision-making, enabling strategic resource allocation and course correction of interventions at national and sub-national levels

By fostering a culture of data use, strengthening analytical capacity, and integrating secondary data insights with field experience, NACP continues to enhance programme design, accountability, and impact. Secondary data analysis not only helps in maximising the value of existing datasets but also ensures that India’s response to HIV/AIDS remains responsive, evidence-driven, and aligned with the evolving epidemic landscape.

Regional Capacity Building Workshop:

The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India focuses on use of data for evidence-based planning at all levels under the programme. Continuing its efforts to build capacities at the state level for evidence generation, NACO is organizing four Regional Capacity Building workshops on NACP Data Management, with a focus on Data Analysis and Scientific writing during each financial year. The main objective of these regional trainings is to build the capacity of the SACS SI officials in secondary data analysis and technical report preparation. Additionally, the workshops are designed to support the SACS SI division in finalising the concept notes of the secondary data analyses to be undertaken in each financial year, preparing draft tabulation plans and generating initial tables based on the finalised concept notes.

NACP Status Note of all States/UTs:

NACP status note is the consolidated progress report of the key indicators in a financial year, which is used during review meetings and visits of NACO officials and other Government Officials to different States/UTs.

SACS Scorecard (performance of States in NACP implementation):

Scorecard of SACS provides overall picture of states performance on National AIDS Control Programme implementation across all facilities. It also provides a big picture of areas that need more concentrated efforts to achieve NACP targets. NACO brings out quarterly scorecards on key indicators for both States and Union Territories, which are routinely used during review meetings.

NACP Data Management

Data Security:

The National Data Management Committee at NACO is the internal committee and the role of the Committee is (i) to review data requests received at NACO, (ii) to provide inputs on disposal of physical files/ computer equipment containing HIV related information at NACO, (iii) to consider all the adverse events related to the NACP data reported to the committee, (iv) review of data access and data security at NACO and SACS and any other matter related to the NACP data management.

Data Quality Management:

Under NACP, there are in-built validation in all the information management systems for data quality at the data entry points. In addition, routine programme data analysis is being done to find data errors, guidance on data quality management at reporting units and provision of quarterly review of NACP data quality at NACP facility and State/UT level.

National Data Hub:

The National Data Hub (NDH) is a central digital repository of key reports, documents, publications, and approved data from various divisions of NACO at the central level.

NACP Data Sharing:

NACO encourage the use of NACP data at all levels under the programme and outside the programme, for this there is robust mechanism of NACP data sharing at National and State level is in place.

Preparation of Guidelines/Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) related to NACP Data Management:

The Guidelines/SOP covers all aspects of data protection measures, which includes protecting information from disclosure, procedures for accessing information, provision for security systems to protect the information stored in any form and mechanisms to ensure accountability and liability of persons in the establishment.