Tropical Data works directly with health ministries and with their partners, from the start to the end of the survey process, ensuring standardisation and support at every step. While country programmes are responsible for the delivery and funding of in-country implementation, Tropical Data provides technical support at each step of the way, including: the development of protocols to ensure conformity with WHO guidelines; training and provision of specialist materials; data collection (using our dedicated Android application); and data analysis and approval support.
The service is free for all countries carrying out trachoma surveys and helps ensure high-quality, comparable results that countries can rely upon for their programmatic decision-making. For a full breakdown of the survey process, stakeholders and the support provided, please view our Survey Process Overview.
Our core team includes staff from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) and Sightsavers, as shown on the organogram below. It is made up of 5 full-time and 3 part-time members of staff. We bring in technical and other specialist support as needed. We are fortunate to have a large network of certified trainers around the globe, who lead training efforts in country.
Tropical Data is made possible by funding from Sightsavers and ITI.
We rely on WHO to set standards and protect country interests. While we are guided by WHO methodologies, when making changes to our methods, we form task teams of health ministry personnel and partner subject-specific experts to inform our work.
