Blog

Abuja, Nigeria – January 28, 2025

Despite the advancements in data technology, many spheres (including the health space) still grapple with the challenge of chronic fragmentation of data. Too often, valuable information resides in isolated systems, leading to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and delayed decision-making. This fragmentation not only hampers innovation but also undermines trust in the data—a crippling issue in our increasingly data-reliant world. The consequences are clear: organizations struggle to derive actionable insights, leaving them lagging behind their competitors, who are leveraging their data effectively.

After more than two decades, the HIV response in Nigeria still struggles with fragmented routine data systems that are not interoperable with one another, and so data are not readily accessible by all relevant stakeholders. To bridge this gap, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, with funding support from the Global Fund for AIDS, TB, and Malaria (GFATM) and technical support from DURE Technologies, has gone ahead to develop an innovative solution known as the Nigeria HIV & AIDS Data Ecosystem.

The formal launch of the HIV & AIDS Data Ecosystem took place on Monday, 29 January 2025, at a well-attended hybrid event that brought together key stakeholders, led by Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA; Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, the National Coordinator of the National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCP); Dr. Gregory Ashefor, Country Director of Dure Technologies; Dr. Nibretie G. Workneh, M&E Expert from the Global Fund; Dr. Leopold Zekeng the UNAIDS Country Director, Dr. Vipin Yadav the CEO DURE Technologies, management staff from NACA, Executive Secretaries of States Agencies for Control of AIDS (SACA) and their M&E focal points as well as M&E experts from implementing partner organizations.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Ilori, the NACA DG, expressed delight at achieving this milestone. She stated that the HIV and AIDS Data Ecosystem is designed to unite disparate but related data sources into a single, cohesive platform where insights can flow freely and collaboration thrive. She further stated that the solution integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure, eliminating silos and paving the way for a unified approach to data management. Using this solution, users can easily access, analyze, and share data, fostering an environment of continuous learning and adaptation

Francis Agbo, the Director of Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RM&E) at NACA, explained that the data ecosystem is an interoperable platform that brings existing and relevant multiple data systems for HIV under one umbrella (a one-stop shop), thus making the data more accessible to users. He further stated that the platform was developed using open-source technologies, fully integrated with the existing data systems, and is designed to be fully domestic government-owned and sustainable. In addition, the server for the data ecosystem is hosted in Nigeria in line with Federal Government policy, with key staff of NACA already trained to fully manage the platform. There are plans to roll out to the states of the country in phase 2 of the project.

A live demonstration followed that demonstrated the platform’s impressive capabilities, which include the following :

• User-Friendly Interface: Data can be easily searched and visualized by state, LGA, month, quarter, and year, with options for map visualizations, bar charts, and more.
• Data Integration: Incorporating additional national routine data sources into the ecosystem.

1. HIV Health Sector dashboard (Data sources: NDR, NHMIS with more data sources to be added)
2. HIV non-health sector dashboard (Data Sources: eNNRIMS DHIS with more data sources to be added
3. National Survey Dashboard: Dedicated dashboard for data from national HIV surveys.
4. Key performance indicators dashboard: This measures progress against targets for a core set of national indicators

• Data Validation and Quality Assurance dashboard: The platform has robust mechanisms built in that monitor the accuracy and reliability of the data.
• Advanced Analytics: Chatbots and WhatsApp-enabled analytics, hotspot analytics, predictive analysis
• Interactive and customizable maps and charts
• Indicator glossary that provides definitions for relevant indicators

The launch of the Nigeria HIV & AIDS Data Ecosystem marks a significant step forward towards data-driven ownership and sustainability in the national response to HIV/AIDS. By leveraging this powerful tool, Nigeria can effectively and more efficiently track progress, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately help achieve the goals of the HIV response in Nigeria and achieve an AIDS-free generation.