Advances In Family Planning Measurement
Sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In response to recognized gaps in the international M&E architecture, two new projects were launched in April 2013. PMA2020 pioneers a new approach for collecting rapid-turnaround data on an annual basis, using smart phones and by establishing a cadre of female resident enumerators. These nationally-representative surveys, conducted at both household and facility-levels, already have been launched in five countries in Africa and Asia, with five more to be added in the coming year. Track20 monitors progress toward achieving the goals of the FP2020 initiative, supporting national efforts to collect, analyze and use data to mark progress and inform policies and strategies. Track20 is tracking progress across 69 countries, with deeper engagement with 24 countries that have made pledges that align with the global family planning initiative known as “FP2020.” This symposium will take stock of the implementation experience over the first year of these two new programs. We will review progress to date, challenges, and lessons learned. In addition, we will discuss ways in which these two programs are linked, as well as how they link to other key programs in the M&E architecture, including the DHS and other surveys, service statistics, commodity logistics, and various data tracking systems. Discussion will focus on opportunities for improving linkages across the various elements of the M&E architecture.