By the numbers: our commitment to sex-disaggregated data

PATH’s mission is to advance health equity through innovation and partnerships. Central to this mission is gender equity, which requires the fair treatment of all people regardless of sex, gender identity or gender expression.

Sex-disaggregated data are data about a group of individuals on any topic that are analyzed and presented by sex. The use of sex-disaggregated data is critical for an accurate understanding of differential health risks, access to and uptake of services, and outcomes.

Sex-disaggregated data are an integral part of our work in many health areas, including HIV prevention and treatment. Together with our partners in Africa and Asia, PATH is engaged in a long-standing commitment to end the HIV epidemic. We rely on sex- and age-disaggregated data to drive fundamental program decisions. It shows us whether women and men are being reached equally well with HIV testing services, and whether treatment adherence rates differ for male and female adolescents, among many other indicators of program reach and success. By regularly tracking trends in sex-disaggregated data, we pinpoint challenges and find solutions that will benefit all.

PATH’s approach to monitoring and evaluation using sex-disaggregated data extends far beyond HIV programs. Through PATH’s Center of Digital and Data Excellence, our monitoring and evaluation experts work with colleagues in a variety of global health programs to ensure that relevant indicators in project monitoring plans are sex-disaggregated. PATH has also drafted gender metrics guidance to support staff in expanding our use of sex-disaggregated data, gender sensitive indicators and measures of gender equality and empowerment.

Using sex-disaggregated data to identify disparities between women/girls, and men/boys in health risks, service access, and healthy outcomes – by the numbers – is one of many ways that PATH lives its commitment to gender equity in programming.