© 2013 Sukriti Gangola, Courtesy of Photoshare

Monitoring and analyzing data to adapt interventions and measure impact is critical for the success of any public health program. However, this is particularly important in adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) because governments often do not disaggregate contraceptive use data by age. As a result, they are often unaware of the barriers youth face in accessing contraceptives. Making this data visible is the first step in designing a successful AYSRH program. 

Key components in making youth data visible include:

• Where necessary, collect data on client age and contraceptive use directly from health facilities at the start of the program (to effectively design interventions) and then throughout the program (to monitor if the interventions are having the desired impact).
• To ensure the sustainability of data collection and analysis, consider this dual strategy:
  • Coach local government teams on how to use data to inform program strategy
  • Advocate for government leaders to invest in age-disaggregated data
• Involve youth in interpreting the data and deciding how best to address the gaps identified.