Strengthening the DHIS2 surveillance modules for notifiable diseases
BACKGROUND
Notifiable disease surveillance in the country is split into two systems; indicator-based surveillance (IBS) and event-based surveillance (EBS). Since 2018, the IBS of notifiable diseases in the country have been integrated into the DHIS2 system, which is the platform for health information systems in the country. Even though the IBS system is still being established in DHIS2, the EBS system has not been integrated.
The EBS system in Lao PDR draws from many sources; laboratory notification, rumour surveillance, hotline trends, community-based surveillance, etc. Notifications through the EBS system are either verified or case investigation immediately begins. Therefore, there is a need to ensure the appropriate design for both the collection of EBS reports and its link to the subsequent investigation and response. In addition to these considerations, the implementation of the system needs to be done by the provinces so they will need to provide their inputs and have their capacity built to be able to collect, manage and use their own data systematically to make informed decisions.
The benefit of using a single EBS system will be the ability for the collection and analysis of real-time data that can be accessed by anyone, anytime, anywhere if they are approved to do so. Furthermore, with the DHIS2 built in analytical and reporting capabilities, once entered, data can be automatically and quickly analysed and reported. As part of the existing relationship with MoH in Lao PDR, the World Health Organization (WHO) has a mandate to support MoH in strengthening surveillance of notifiable diseases in the country, to support the rapid detection and response to communicable disease events in the country.
PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY
To provide technical support to Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) Ministry of Health (MoH) in strengthening the DHIS2 surveillance modules for notifiable diseases in the country.
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
Output 1: DHIS2 IBS and EBS support to NCLE
Deliverable 1.1: Monthly STC reports
METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY
Under the guidance of the WHO CO (WHO Country Office) PHEOC focal point, he/she will closely work with the central government, particularly the MoH, the National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), Department of Planning and Cooperation (DPC) and provincial government to assist with the further expansion of DHIS2 surveillance in the country. Additionally, he/she will work closely with the WHO Health Information Systems unit in the country office as part of the expansion and strengthening of WHOs support to MOH and DPC on HIS and particularly the capacity of the DHIS2 core teams. He/She is expected to exercise initiative as well as sound judgment in the application of policy guidelines and programme objectives of the Organization and partner agencies as required and relevant. Key activities include;
- Support NCLE at central level to build their capacity in DHIS2 surveillance systems
- Support to NCLE for the monitoring of the expansion of the DHIS2 IBS module
- Support NCLE to design the EBS system framework for DHIS2
- Support the building and establishment of the 166 Hotline DHIS2 module
- Support the continued integration of the ILI/SARI sentinel site surveillance into DHIS2
- Support the continued use of DHIS2 COVID-19 module
- Support the information systems working group as part of the public health emergency operations centre (PHEOC) work
- Perform other duties as required by the WHO CO PHEOC focal point and HTM manager
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
Essential: University degree in public health, information technology, statistics with computer programming or related area
EXPERIENCE
Essential: Work experience of least 3 years in working with and implementing national surveillance systems. Understanding of the DHIS2 system. Experiences in statistics data analysis tools, use of Microsoft Office programmes. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Work experience in information management during public health events, such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters. Experience working with the Ministry of Health, Lao PDR. Able to interact effectively with the national counterpart, non-governmental organizations and international agencies. Low-resource setting experience. Postgraduate degree in public health, epidemiology, health systems or a related field is desirable.
TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- • Minimum two-year experience in application of DHIS2, especially database management.
- • Experience in DHIS2 backend tasks.
- • Ability to establish and work 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 work and interact effectively with national counterparts, non-governmental organizations and international agencies at various levels.
- • Ability to work independently under pressure and to deliver high-quality work on-time.
- • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- • Good oral and written communication skills.
- • Good computer skills on using Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT.
LANGUAGES
High degree of competency in reading, writing and spoken English.
COMPETENCIES
- • Technical Expertise
- • Producing results
- • Communication
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Contract Duration: 1 Mar 2021 – 1 Sept 2021 (with possibility for extension)
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 7 December 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. 118366 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.