About Data to Policy
The Data to Policy (D2P) program was established in 2015 as part of Bloomberg Philanthropies' Data for Health Initiative. Co-led by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Vital Strategies, D2P trains government health staff to use core skills required to advance policy agendas and support specific policy priorities through the development of data-driven policy briefs.
Mission
To create a sustainable cadre of public health professionals in the public sector able to develop data-informed policy recommendations that improve health outcomes.
Vision
A world where health policy decisions are consistently informed by high-quality data and rigorous evidence, leading to more effective and equitable health systems.
What We Do
Data Analysis
Analyze health problems using local data and evidence to identify modifiable root causes through systematic root cause analysis.
Economic Evaluation
Build decision tree models and conduct cost-effectiveness analyses to compare policy options and make evidence-based recommendations.
Policy Brief Development
Create compelling, concise policy briefs that present findings and recommendations to government decision-makers and stakeholders.
Advocacy & Presentation
Effectively communicate findings through presentations, data visualizations, and elevator pitches to influence policy change.
Program Goals
Capacity Strengthening
Build the capacity of public health professionals to develop evidence-informed policy briefs that can influence health policy and practice.
Policy Development
Produce well-conceived, data-driven policy briefs that can advance high-priority health policies at national and sub-national levels.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
Strengthen relationships among data analysts, policy-development staff, and executive decision-makers to foster evidence-informed policymaking.
Sustainable Systems
Establish in-country capacity through Train-the-Trainer programs to ensure ongoing, locally-led D2P implementation.
The D2P Process
Our evidence-based "10 Steps to Developing a Policy Brief" framework guides participants through a comprehensive 3-4 month program:
Unit 1: Problem & Policy Analysis
2 weeks - Frame problems, conduct root cause analysis, identify policy options, perform stakeholder mapping
Unit 2: Economic Evaluation
1 week - Develop decision trees, cost analyses, and cost-effectiveness evaluations
Mentorship Period
8-10 weeks - Intensive one-on-one guidance and policy brief development with experienced mentors
Unit 3: Advocacy & Communications
1 week - Finalize briefs, develop presentations, learn advocacy strategies
Policy Forum & Implementation
Ongoing - Present to government officials and work toward policy implementation
The 10 Steps Framework
D2P uses a structured methodology that takes participants from problem identification through policy recommendations:
Problem Statement
- Step 1: Define the Problem
- Step 2: Identify Modifiable Root Causes
- Step 3: Determine Policy Options
Policy Options
- Step 4: Map Implementation Steps
- Step 5: Create Resource-Input Lists
Economic Evaluation
- Step 6: Add Cost Values
- Step 7: Build Decision Tree
- Step 8: Conduct Economic Evaluation
- Step 9: Compare Options
Recommendations
- Step 10: Select Best Option & Write Summary
Global Impact
450+
Government health officials trained across 15 countries
100+
Data-driven policy briefs produced on critical health issues
Multiple
National and regional policies changed through D2P recommendations
Success Stories
🏍️ Motorcycle Helmet Policy
Thailand - D2P evidence-based recommendations contributed to strengthened helmet use policies, potentially preventing thousands of road traffic injuries.
🩺 Routine HIV Testing
Rwanda - Policy brief on routine HIV testing and treatment for children led to improved testing protocols and earlier treatment initiation.
🚭 Tobacco Control
Multiple Countries - D2P-generated evidence supported tobacco taxation and smoke-free policies across several countries.
💉 Vaccination Coverage
Various Countries - Policy briefs on improving immunization coverage informed national vaccination strategies and resource allocation.
Focus Countries
D2P has been implemented in 7 countries across Africa and Asia, building sustainable local capacity for evidence-based policymaking.
🌍 Africa
🌏 Asia
Training Programs
D2P Training
Comprehensive 3-unit program teaching policy analysis, economic evaluation, and advocacy skills through intensive workshops and mentorship.
- 3 training units (Units 1-3)
- 8-10 week mentorship period
- 20+ modules covering all aspects
- Hands-on policy brief development
Train-the-Trainer (TTT)
Prepare facilitators and mentors to lead D2P programs, building sustainable in-country capacity for ongoing implementation.
- 3-5 day intensive workshop
- Facilitation skills development
- Mentorship training
- Co-mentoring experience
Health Economics TOT
Specialized training in health economic evaluation methods for trainers who will support Unit 2 of D2P programs.
- Advanced economic evaluation
- Decision tree modeling
- Cost-effectiveness analysis
- Teaching methodology
Who Should Participate
Ideal Participants
D2P is designed for mid- to senior-level government health professionals who:
- Are involved in health data analysis or policy development
- Participate in health policy development or health program planning
- Work at local or national level within health systems
- Have training in public health, public policy, or related fields
- Possess basic data analysis skills
- Are familiar with Microsoft Office and (ideally) statistical software
- Are fluent in English or the language of instruction
Team Composition
Each project team (3-5 members) should include:
- Policy expertise: Understanding of policy processes
- Data/epi skills: Ability to analyze health data
- Program knowledge: Familiarity with the health problem
Sponsor Requirement
Each team must have a senior official sponsor who:
- Guides participants during development
- Helps identify stakeholders
- Champions the brief upon completion
- Facilitates policy implementation
Time Commitment
Total: 3-4 months
- 4 weeks of intensive training (Units 1-3)
- 8-10 weeks of mentorship
- Policy forum presentation
- Ongoing implementation support
Keys to Success
🎯 Strong Topic Selection
Policy topics should reflect government priorities, include potential solutions, utilize existing data, and be completable within the program timeline.
👥 Engaged Teams
Multidisciplinary teams with complementary skills and sustained commitment throughout the program.
🤝 Active Mentorship
Regular, consistent mentor engagement providing technical support and constructive feedback.
📊 Data Availability
Access to relevant local data sources and willingness to engage stakeholders for additional information.
🏛️ Leadership Support
Champions within government who advocate for evidence-based policymaking and support brief recommendations.
🌱 Sustainable Capacity
Investment in Train-the-Trainer programs to build long-term, in-country facilitation and mentorship capacity.
Partners & Supporters
D2P is made possible through collaboration between international organizations, national governments, and academic institutions:
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Primary funder of the Data for Health Initiative and D2P program
U.S. CDC
Co-leads program development, provides technical expertise, and supports implementation
Vital Strategies
Co-leads program development, coordinates global implementation, and provides technical assistance
CDC Foundation
Supports program implementation and coordination
National Ministries of Health
Identify priorities, select participants, and support policy implementation
Academic Institutions
Provide health economics expertise and serve as mentors
Ready to Bring D2P to Your Country?
Learn how the Data to Policy program can strengthen evidence-based policymaking in your health system.