Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is used to systematically assess the performance of projects and initiatives. When done effectively, it reveals gaps or issues early and helps ensure resources are used efficiently.
- Monitoring is a continuous collection of specific data and information to track a project's progress and achievements, improve practices, and have internal and external accountability for the resources used.
- Evaluation is the systematic and objective assessment of an ongoing or completed initiative using collected data and information. The aim is to determine the relevance and fulfillment of objectives, development efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability.
Monitoring and Evaluation at APHL
APHL has established a core M&E team under the Quality Systems and Analytics program. The M&E team supports programs and projects across the organization—domestically and internationally.
Evaluation at APHL encompasses five key areas:
Planning and Design: This involves extensive planning and designing of evaluation processes. It includes creating evaluation questions, designing data collection methods, and developing plans for disseminating and reporting impact.
Reporting: Evaluators collaborate closely with the APHL Grants Management team to ensure organized and appropriate reporting. They help create reporting systems and refine indicators and performance measures in collaboration with funders and partners.
Data Collection and Analysis: The QSA team uses various methods such as observations, surveys, qualitative interviews, and focus groups to collect data. Evaluators work with Data Science and program staff to select suitable project/program evaluation instruments.
Communicating Results: APHL prioritizes using evaluation results effectively. The M&E team converts data collection and analyses into actionable findings. They facilitate meetings to report results and outcomes, highlighting next steps and action items.
Continuous Quality Improvement: The M&E Team works with program staff to ensure the use of evaluation results, quality standards and best practices. This includes beta-testing, data-driven decision-making, and quality control checks.
Below are APHL's major projects currently underway:
M&E Reports
In partnership with CDC, APHL is supported via a five-year cooperative agreement to enhance public health laboratory capabilities and increase capacity. This agreement covers a wide array of member activities across many APHL programs, including training and leadership, experiential learning, environmental health, food safety, infectious diseases, preparedness and response, newborn screening, informatics, quality and safety and policy. The midpoint report, CDC & APHL Cooperative Agreement OE20-2001: Enhancing Public Health Laboratory Capabilities and Increasing Capacity, highlights some of the success stories from this critical work.
To view evaluation briefs, please visit
the CDC DLS site.
External M&E Program Websites
Learn More About Monitoring and Evaluation
To learn more about M&E at APHL, please contact Sudaba Parnian, manager, Monitoring and Evaluation.