This section provides resources to support and encourage national statistical offices and other data producers to leverage and use open data in the global response to the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure all users have access to trusted data.
This article is also available in
Russian
Access
to open, interoperable and timely data about the COVID-19 pandemic is critical
for understanding how the virus is spreading and the best strategies for
responding in different contexts. To help, we have created a
dedicated page on the Humanitarian
Data Exchange (HDX) platform so that our community can find COVID-19 related
data from many sources and covering multiple countries.
This article is also available in
Russian
National
governments across the globe and the global development community are responding
to the COVID-19 pandemic with unprecedented measures. Though capacities in
fighting the outbreak across nations vary significantly, all countries need to
rely heavily on the availability of geographically disaggregated data in key
thematic areas and for various groups of the population. As an immediate first
step in addressing these data needs, the Statistics Division of the United
Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs has identified four thematic
areas, namely: (1) virus tracking, (2) population, (3) health infrastructure and
(4) economy. These data sets will help in mapping the spread of the disease,
understanding trends, identifying vulnerable population groups, as well as
measuring the economic impact of the pandemic. Ultimately, the aim is to provide
access to trustworthy information and to help communicate clear messages so
decision makers can address the outbreak effectively and efficiently.
This article is also available in
Russian
Identifying
existing datasets for priority dissemination is the first step to leveraging
open data for action during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than focus on
collecting new data, national statistical offices should locate existing useful
data from traditional and non-traditional sources and publish them while
adhering to open data standards to maximize access and usability. This section
identifies resources to understand the state of open statistical data in a
country, examples of data published by others that are critical to understanding
COVID-19, and initiatives underway that use data to stop the pandemic.
This article is also available in
Russian
National
statistical offices need to focus on disseminating open data in a way that
facilitates and incentivizes data use to contribute to the fight against the
pandemic. National statistical offices should provide data on health resources
and monitoring efforts using well-designed websites or data portals that are
easy to find and navigate, include data visualizations, and provide a variety of
download formats. The resources below provide guidance on disseminating and
incentivizing the use of data.
This article is also available in
Russian
During
the COVID-19 outbreak, the demand for information from policymakers and citizens
will be higher than ever, but connecting people to the data, encouraging use,
and creating impact requires guidance and action by national statistical
offices. Data providers and communicators bear the responsibility of connecting
users to the information they need. National statistical offices must facilitate
this connection. The resources in this section provide insight on how to
encourage the use of data, monitor its uptake and impact, and further increase
impact.