We, iSHARE - the INDEPTH Network Sharing and Access Repository, a Data Sharing group in Asia, Africa and Oceania share a common interest of sharing demographic surveillance data for the use by researchers all over the globe. We believe that it is our moral, social and professional responsibility to share the data to all.

• A ready platform for data sharing for HDSSs.
• Dynamic report generation facilities on the web eliminating any additional cost in procuring reporting tools.
• Global access of repository through a secured and controlled web access mechanism.
• Quality data ensured for sharing.
• Data security and confidentiality.
• Cross-site data analysis made easy.
• Fosters open scientific community and transparency in scientific inquiry.
• Allows for verification, refutation and refinement of findings.
• Promotes newer research and helps in evidence based policy making.

Aim & Objectives

• Strengthen and streamline data collection systems within INDEPTH-HDSS centres.
• To create a longitudinal database for efficient service delivery, future research and linking all past micro-studies.
• Define minimal and optimal data.
• Develop and standardize a system of Unique ID amongst INDEPTH-HDSS centres allowing data sharing and merging.
• Build institutional capacity through training of data managers and site scientists.
• Ensuring data sharing mechanism amongst partners safeguarding the sites and citizen interests.
• Monitoring trends in public health problems
• Keeping track of population dynamics
• Evaluation of intervention services

Our Activities
An initial baseline cross-site workshop hosted by the Vadu HDSS brought together centre scientists and data managers to understand differences in existing data management and mining techniques used by the partner centres along with strengths and weakness of each centre. We work upon a common minimum dataset structure agreed upon.

• Data availability - The demographic data is available globally under controlled access mechanism through registration and approval processes.
• Cross-site data analysis platform.
• Effective international multi-sites collaborations.
• Integration of analysis tools on iSHARE platform.
• Easy version controlling of datasets.
• Framework development for data sharing.
• Establishing common policy for data sharing with the help of INDEPTH Network.
• On-demand dynamic report generations in tabular and graphical formats (Pie, Bar and Line Graphs).
• Documentation of the Data sharing mechanisms is done for future use to make modifications and alterations
• In addition we are also working on a HDSS Data Management and Sharing Manual, a document for data sharing detailing safeguards measures, data ownership, issues of confidentiality and anonymity. This Data Management and Sharing Manual will be whetted by an INDEPTH Network constituted Committee of experts and made available to other INDEPTH centres as part of the Starter Kit developed by the INDEPTH Network. This document will serve to encourage other INDEPTH centres to adopt 'Good Data Sharing Practices' and thereby facilitate the INDEPTH Network's efforts towards positioning itself as a 'single window' clearance for 'quality assured' HDSS information.