WHO Global InfoBase: InfoBase Online

WHO Global InfoBase: InfoBase Online
InfoBase Online

The WHO Global InfoBase, and the SuRF report that comes from it, represent the first steps in building better quality NCD risk factor data by displaying the country-level data that currently exists. The next step is to use this data to develop estimates of national prevalence for each risk factor and Member State. Member States with national health statistics reporting systems (that include risk factor information) have already produced these estimates for their countries. For other countries with sub-national surveys, and sometimes more than one survey, a data harmonization process can be used.

The collection of NCD risk factor data is continuing in many countries and the InfoBase will need to reflect this new work as it becomes available. In fact, for those countries that have embarked on a STEPS survey, a method for direct transfer of aggregate, core risk factor data to the NCD InfoBase has been developed. The development of the NCD InfoBase is meant to support the process of data collection and to hold the collection in a central place. At the same time, the current collections need to be used to transform the data into a useful, comparative tool for advocacy, policy and research.

There are two different ways to search for information on the NCD InfoBase Online. The Country Profiles (hyperlink) search allows the user to define the country and risk factor of interest. This will return a list of all information in the database related to the chosen country and risk factor. A more refined search is available, the Advanced Search, (hyperlink) which allows users to refine the search to their specifications. Users can search by specific criteria related to their needs, such as selecting only national studies.

We are currently running a user feasibility study about our web site. If you would like to participate please email Linsey de Guzman (deguzmanl@who.int).