A Review of the National Data Quality Assessment (DQA) Strategy in Tanzania

The Government of Tanzania, through its Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC) and President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, understands the value of using data and strategic information to achieve effective health service delivery planning and decision making. Despite this, there is limited data use within the health system. This stems from a lack of capacity to analyze data from routine health services, poor appreciation of the value of using data for policy and practices, and unclear guidance on data analysis and dissemination channels.

In response, the government launched the Tanzania Health Data Collaborative initiative, which pinpointed specific data gaps that include duplication of collection efforts, weak analysis and use, and inefficient investments in health information systems. The Collaborative identified a key priority area to address these challenges: strengthening national data quality assessment (DQA). This priority aligns with PEPFAR’s global focus on HIV monitoring and reporting efforts, whereby all funded countries are expected to have an evidence-based data quality strategy.

To support the DQA strengthening initiative, MSH, via the Tanzania Technical Support Services Project, helped the MoHCDGEC review and strengthen the existing DQA guidelines and strategy.