Program Overview
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.
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.
Our Approach
Evidence-Based Methodology
D2P uses the "10 Steps to Developing a Policy Brief" framework, which guides participants through:
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
Key Program Components
1. Intensive Training Workshops
D2P consists of three training units that can be delivered in various formats (in-person, virtual, or hybrid):
- Unit 1: Problem & Policy Analysis (2 weeks or 8-10 virtual sessions)
- Unit 2: Economic Evaluation of Policy (1 week or 8 virtual sessions)
- Unit 3: Policy Advocacy & Communications (1 week or 4 virtual sessions)
2. Structured Mentorship
Each project team (3-5 participants) works with an assigned mentor who:
- Provides technical guidance on methodology and analysis
- Reviews drafts and provides constructive feedback
- Facilitates stakeholder engagement strategies
- Supports presentation preparation and delivery
- Maintains regular communication (at least weekly) throughout the program
3. Policy Brief Development
Participants work in teams to develop comprehensive policy briefs that include:
- Clear problem statement with supporting data
- Root cause analysis using fishbone diagrams
- Evidence-based policy options
- Economic evaluation (cost-effectiveness analysis)
- Stakeholder analysis
- Clear recommendations and action steps
- Data visualizations and compelling narratives
4. Policy Advocacy & Presentation
Teams present completed briefs to decision-makers at:
- Closing ceremonies with senior health ministry leadership
- Semi-annual policy forums with broader stakeholder groups
- Individual meetings with relevant policymakers
- Technical working groups and committees
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 should include members with:
- Policy expertise: Understanding of policy processes and stakeholders
- Data/epidemiology skills: Ability to analyze and interpret health data
- Program knowledge: Familiarity with the health problem and operations
Sponsor Requirement
Each team must have a senior official sponsor who:
- Guides and supports participants during development
- Helps identify stakeholders and provides policy advice
- Champions the brief upon completion
- Facilitates policy implementation
Time Commitment
Traditional In-Person Format
| Phase | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation & Topic Selection | 1-2 weeks before | Virtual or in-person |
| Unit 1 Training | 2 weeks | In-person workshop |
| Unit 2 Training | 1 week | In-person workshop |
| Mentorship Period | 8-10 weeks | Remote/on-site mentoring |
| Unit 3 Training | 1 week | In-person workshop |
| Policy Forum | 1 day (8-12 weeks after Unit 3) | In-person presentation |
| Total Duration | 3-4 months |
Virtual Format
For virtual implementations, training sessions are typically 2-3 hours, 2-3 times per week, spread over several months with ongoing mentorship throughout.
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