An efficient approach to fulfill comprehensive data needs for NCDs through an integrated survey in Timor-Leste

NCDs, risk factors, and domains such as nutrition require periodic large-scale household-based surveys using representative samples of relevant population groups. The usual approach has been to conduct multiple surveys for different health subject areas using generic tools which require huge financial and human resources resulting in ‘survey fatigue’ and results being fragmented and not focused on the specific national data needs.  

It is against this backdrop that the WHO Regional Office for South East Asia Region conceptualized an efficient approach to fulfill the comprehensive data needs for public health surveillance in countries. 

Timor-Leste (TLS) is a Least Developed Country as well as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the South-East Asia Region.

WHO SEARO in collaboration with WCO TLS and technical teams from the University of Timor-Leste and the International Institute of Population Studies of India identified the data needs in discussions with the government and designed an efficient approach to fulfill these needs through a household survey and a concurrent facility survey conducted in the same geographical locations using the same survey. The digital tool used was developed adapting   WHO STEPs survey for NCDs, NCD risk factors and nutrition related data alongwith a new tool designed to estimate NCD costs and out-of-pocket expenditures. The digital tool to assess availability and readiness of services for prevention and control of NCDs and mental health in health facilities was adapted from the WHO Harmonized Health Facility Assessment.  WHO trained and   supported a team of local investigators to implement the survey within two months with the quality of data collection monitored and supported remotely through eSTEPS platform.  Support is being continued to build the capacity of the teams of the University of Timor-Leste on formulating the report and using data to inform the NCD and nutrition related programmes.

This approach could be promoted in the Region to fulfill nationally relevant data needs for different aspects with efficient use of resources within a short time period.