DHIS2 Malaria Surveillance Specialist

BACKGROUND

The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) together with MHMS introduced the Solomon Islands Malaria Roadmap of Malaria Elimination in 2018, raising malaria elimination high on the Government’s agenda. Moreover, the NVBDCP has played a key role in the reorganization of the MHMS since 2015, aiming to finalize the change from a vertical programme to one that is fully integrated into the health system. The Global Fund has provided adequate funding for NVBDCP to implement the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021-2025 to accelerate malaria elimination. The WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria has identified three pillars calling for; universal access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment; accelerating efforts towards elimination, and transforming malaria surveillance into a key intervention. An improved surveillance system will provide an enabling environment to utilise surveillance as and intervention in support of the National Strategy. WHO is committed to supporting MHMS and their request to strengthen NVBDCP-led malaria prevention and control and activities and to support accelerated efforts to eliminate malaria in low burden areas.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The purpose of this consultancy is to support Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to establish a DHIS2 linked malaria surveillance system enabling near real time facility-based reporting utilising a digital platform. The reporting system will enable the timely reporting of malaria cases and deployment of malaria elimination strategies to support case investigation and cluster interventions in low transmission setting. These strategies align with the WHO Guidelines for Malaria, 2022, and WHO Recommendations on Malaria Elimination.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

• • Localise and integrate the DHIS2 Android App for Malaria Case Registration to digitalise the current Malaria Case Management Register (MCMR) to enable near real time case reporting in nominated low transmission settings. Localisation will include current treatment regimes including various dose of Primaquine and G6PD Testing to guide primaquine treatment. Build in alerts to inform clinical staff on appropriate Primaquine dosing dependant on G6PD results.
• • Enable the linking of malaria cases to houses with off-line satellite mapping with GPS locations. Enable the Malaria Case Registration app to upload when in contact with mobile phone network from one of the two telco providers (B-Mobile and Telikom).  Ensure system can be used by health facilities, Private Clinics and Village Malaria Workers to identify and disaggregate cases detected in the formal health sector.
• • Localise and link the Focus Investigation App to the Malaria Case local context and program requirement. Including linkage of cases requiring follow up identified through passive case detection in health facilities to initiate outreach response for investigation.
• • Review the current MCMR interface to update for current program requirements. Update the current treatment testing and treatment regimens to include different Primaquine Treatment regimens and G6PD Testing and interpretation. Include features to include consumption and stock levels of malaria commodities including test kits and malaria drugs.
• • Develop real-time case incidence (cases per 1000 pop) maps to be displayed at the most granular level, Health Zone, Ward and Village bounries, based the most recent census (2019) or projected population and national maps. 
• • Update DHIS2 Vector Control interface and reporting to enable the capture and display of temporal and spatial bednet distribution, and Indoor Residual Spray coverage. Enable layering to match case incidence and vector control coverage.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

1. The consultant will work with staff from the NVBDCP, WHO Malaria Specialists, the national focal points for Health Information System (HIS), Provincial Health and Program Managers and partners and donors to gather the required background information, documentation and material to initiate development of an integration platform and roll out plan.

2. Assess and advise on network and hardware requirements, e.g. mobile devise requirements, devise charging systems Including solar, and network coverage.

3. Develop roll out strategies initially for low malaria burden areas, Standard Operating Procedures, and training plan for system roll out.

4. Assist in engagement with Telco providers to discuss network access, security, and usage cost and payment options to ensure value for money and reliability of service.

5. Ensure current MCMR paper system for aggregated data collection can continue in parallel in areas not classified as low burden or without useful mobile network or internet coverage.

6. Pilot system in Honiara health facilities and one Province (2 Health Zones) – Isabel or Choiseul Provinces.

7. Train key HIS and NVBDCP staff to manage and operate the system to perform analysis and routine monitoring and report production of malaria epidemiology and interventions.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Post graduate degree in Health Infomatics, Public Health, and GIS

Proven expertise and experience in health project management, evaluations, health programme assessment, guideline, training, SOP development and programme audits

EXPERIENCE

Expertise efficiency in adapting DHIS2 systems design requirements specification engineering

Expertise in development and implementation of data exchange mechanisms

Experience in developing a work scope and budget to meet clients expectations on deliverables.

Knowledge of malaria (or communicable diseases) programme activity implementation

Experience in working with WHO WPR malaria-endemic countries

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Good organizational and interpersonal skills

Cross cultural communication

Knowledgeable in WHO guidance for malaria and other communicable diseases

LANGUAGES

English only

COMPETENCIES

• • Digital health information systems management
• • Effective planning and timely meeting of deadlines
• • Effective communication, leadership and proven abilities to work in teams

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Duty station: Honiara, Solomon Islands

Duration of contract: 1 year starting September 2022

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 24 August 2022. 

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. 180140 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.