Data quality
While the data provided through countries Financial Sustainability Plans is based a common methodology and using standardized reporting tables, it is not possible to guarantee that the all the data generated from this process is free of methodological and other quality issues. Though some data contained in the immunization financing database contains issues, this is the exception rather than the rule. Identified issues will be highlighted when users search the database.
Three steps for quality control take place before the data ends up in the Immunization Financing Database.
Pre-submission review of FSP
The first step that permits an assessment of the quality of the FSP data is the pre-submission review process. The pre-submission review is a mechanism that has been put in place in order to provide remote technical assistance to countries that are in the process of developing an FSP. This mechanism allows for countries to send the data sections of their plan for review by technical experts prior to submitting their plan to the GAVI Secretariat. The pre-submission review is an opportunity for countries to get feedback on the data sections of their FSP and guidance on how to improve and strengthen the analysis of the costing, financing and gap data they have prepared. This mechanism further helps to identify any inaccuracies in the data, difficulties countries are experiencing with the FSP methods, guidelines and tools and whether there is need for direct technical assistance. The preparation of pre-submission review reports by these technical experts provide the feedback to countries in time for them to make changes and revisions before submitting their FSP to the GAVI Secretariat.
Post-submission review of FSP
The second step that permits an assessment of the quality of the FSP data is the post-submission review process. The post-submission review is a mechanism analogous to the pre-submission review. It differs in that it takes place following countries submission of their FSP to the GAVI Secretariat. The objectives is to review the submitted plans and highlight any data issues for the Independent Review Committee (IRC).
Analysis by the database team
The third and final step that permits an assessment of the quality of the FSP data are the subsequent analyses of the Financial Sustainability Plans by the database team. These can further bring to light other issues that might not have transpired from the pre and post submission review processes.