In adopting the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, Member States committed themselves to regularly report to the United Nations General Assembly on the progress made in their country’s response to the AIDS epidemic. Member States submit Country Progress reports to the UNAIDS Secretariat every two years and the next reporting round will be in 2010.
In order to facilitate the 2010 UNGASS reporting process for countries, UNAIDS launches an online reporting tool. The new tool allows data to be entered over a period of time as and when it becomes available. This allows the information be shared which enables consultation country-wide. It also helps to track any changes in data during data validation. In addition to reporting on progress, countries will be able to enter their own national targets for 2010 and 2015 and can view data from earlier reporting rounds for trend analysis.
“A significant advantage of this tool is that it is very easy to use. It does not require any software installation or configuration - just an internet connection”, says Dr Deborah Rugg, Chief of the UNAIDS Monitoring and Evaluation Division.
As well as facilitating the consultative process and data vetting, by using the online tool it will be easier to monitor the status of countries’ data submission and the data management process both in country and globally.
After the report has been submitted, the data entered can be connected with other existing national programme data by exporting it to the Country Response Information System version 3 (CRIS3).
Process for reporting online
Between September and November 2009, a series of regional workshops took place for countries to test the online tool and be trained on how to enter their data. The first training took place in Latin America in September. In addition, a self-paced online training module is available from November onwards.
All countries received communication from UNAIDS requesting the name of the national UNGASS focal point, who received a unique username and password to access the online reporting tool and to submit the country report.
From 1 December 2009, countries are able to access the tool with their unique credential, and start entering their data. The data entry and submission must be completed by 31 March 2010, which is the deadline for submission of UNGASS country reports.
For access to the online reporting tool, go to: www.unaids.org/UNGASS2010. Please also consult the UNGASS Guidelines on Construction of Core Indicators for 2010 reporting for more information about the indicators and process.
For more information contact Mr. Taavi Erkkola (erkkolat@unaids.org).
