Social Impact Advisory
Having demonstrated remarkable resilience through recent crises, nonprofits are reimagining their roles in a rapidly changing world. With limited time and resources, they are eager to adopt more strategic approaches that amplify their impact. Grounded in robust research and data analysis, we have made significant contributions in program and policy designs across the globe. This practice team supports in designing strategies and implementation plans along with facilitation of consultations with various stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society, and communities for inclusive program or policy formulation.
Projects
Non-Communicable Diseases in a Pandemic: The Case of Diabetes and Hypertension
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, all sectors in India, especially healthcare, experienced major disruptions. Services for non-COVID conditions, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs), were significantly impacted. Individuals with diabetes and hypertension (D&HT) were identified as highly vulnerable, necessitating additional care. While the long-term impact of the pandemic on NCD burden remains unclear, pre-pandemic data already showed a steady rise in D&HT diagnoses. To bridge this knowledge gap, PopulationCouncil Consulting conducted a study to assess the pandemic’s impact on NCD care and suggest programmatic responses.
The study involved 291 stakeholders across the NCD value chain, including 120 patients (aged 30+ diagnosed before March 2020), 80 healthcare providers (public and private), 40 chemists/pharmacists, 20 marketers, 16 stockists, 3 manufacturers, and 12 policymakers. Using semi-structured and qualitative tools, the study captured disruptions in access, supply, and care continuity.
Key findings revealed a surge in demand for specific medicine brands during the lockdown, driven by fear of shortages. Home delivery emerged as the preferred channel for medicine access, though rising demand and staffing shortages strained delivery services, especially during the second wave. Chemists found the second wave relatively easier to manage in terms of supply-demand balance. However, stockists faced persistent challenges including temporary halts in manufacturing, delayed transport, heightened security checks, credit recovery issues, staff shortages, and pressure to meet demand for newer drug brands.
These insights provided evidence to build resilient supply chains, improving home delivery infrastructure, and flexible policies for NCD care during public health emergencies.
Supporting evidence-based programming in India using analysis of NFHS data
Research and Analyses for Scientific Transformation and Advancement (RASTA) is a collaborative, multi-institutional platform launched by Population Council and now led by PopulationCouncil Consulting, with support from multiple donors. RASTA’s mission is to engage both government and non-government stakeholders in making data-driven programmatic and policy decisions using publicly available health and nutrition data.
Through RASTA, 100+ researchers have been trained to produce high-quality research focused on key RMNCH+A (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child Health, and Adolescents) domains. These researchers were mentored to address program-level questions and prepare impactful manuscripts that contribute to evidence-based decision-making. RASTA’s work has also played a significant role in shaping India’s Family Planning 2030 (FP 2030) agenda, demonstrating its influence on national policy and program development.