CONSULTANT – Malaria DHIS2 Design

BACKGROUND

Strong efforts have been made to reduce the malaria burden in the Solomon Islands in line with the regional and global agenda. The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) recently renewed their political commitment to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination by 2030, with WHO certification of malaria elimination by 2033. To support this commitment, SIG has developed a multi-sectoral Road Map for Malaria Elimination, which was endorsed by Cabinet in December 2018; the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is responsible for implementing the technical components of the Road Map and for guiding and coordinating whole-of-Government, civil society and development partner contributions. 

Specific elimination goals are currently being established as part of the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021-2025. To achieve the goal of malaria elimination, NVBDCP must establish a surveillance system that can halt malaria transmission: i.e. notify the Programme of cases within 24-48 hours, investigate and classification cases in 3-5 days and response to those cases and areas where transmission occurs to implement appropriate interventions. The details of the responses will vary depending on the case classification and transmission intensities.

Currently, the malaria information system has been developed in pace with the program development. Since 2016, a malaria case based surveillance system has been implemented and it integrated in the main national health information system using DHIS2 platform. The current design and use of malaria surveillance information is to monitor trend (malaria incidence and death) and case management intervention through health facilities in term of accessibility to malaria blood service, diagnostic decision practices, and treatment decision practices.

Surveillance as intervention is one of the pillars in the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria and the country is going to embrace as part of the intervention strategies. The program planned to start implementing malaria case investigation and classification in few health zones with low caseloads in 2020. In that regards, the surveillance system for malaria case investigation and classification needs to be established, trained staff and nurses, and implemented accordingly.

In alignment of the WHO Malaria Elimination Framework and Global Malaria Surveillance, Monitoring and Evaluation Reference Manual, the NVBDCP will approach surveillance for elimination step by step. The initial phase will include development of detailed guidance documents including surveillance for elimination operations and training manuals and procedures. The second phase will include integrating the developed protocols and forms into the DHIS2 system and training staff at national level on its use. The consultant will focus on the phase 2.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The purpose of the consultancy is to support the Ministry of Health for the implementation of the National Strategic Plan for Malaria. The consultant will provide specific technical assistance to the National Vectorborne Control Programme in designing the surveillance system for malaria case investigation and classification using DHIS2 platform.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The consultant will be expected to deliver in the following key areas:

1. Provide technical assistance to the National Vectorborne Control Programme in designing the surveillance system for malaria case investigation and classification using the DHIS2 platform.
2. Focus on the integration of data collection forms for surveillance for elimination into DHIS2 and training components.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

In close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the other consultant who are developing manual on case investigation and classification, and under the direct supervision of the WHO Representative in Solomon Islands and Regional office, the consultant will perform the following tasks:

1. Develop data dictionary on malaria case investigation and classification
2. Design data entry form integrated with the national health information system using DHIS2.
3. Design case investigation and classification information platform using SMS mobile technology of DHIS2 programming.
4. Design dashboard containing case investigation and classification monitoring indicators
5. Develop standard operational procedures for data entry and data navigation on malaria case investigation and classification dashboards.
6. Train key program staffs at national level on managing information on the malaria case investigation and classification.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:

University degree in Information Technology from a recognized university with an advance knowledge on DHIS2 programming.

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experiences including experiences and knowledge on designing public health information system using DHIS2 programming.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Knowledge on basic information of disease surveillance and response.
• • Demonstrate the skills on designing public health information management system using DHIS2.
• • Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct
• • Ability to demonstrate gender equity and cultural appropriateness in the delivery of services to Member State

LANGUAGES

Expert level English reading and writing skills is essential

COMPETENCIES

• • Producing results
• • Knowing and managing yourself
• • Fostering integration and teamwork

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 12 March 2020. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 104713 as subject to all submission.  Only successful candidates will be contacted.