Qualitative Research and Social Mobilization for Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) in the Highly Urbanized Areas of Taguig and Manila (For Philippine-based vendors only)

This proposed research is intended to gain a deeper understanding of the issues behind the low coverage of child immunization in highly urbanized areas. Results of the research will inform more context- specific interventions in the areas.  It will also contribute to the growing evidence on equity issues in highly urbanized areas, which will be used as basis for programme planning. On the other hand, the community mobilization component is intended to engage opinion leaders and other influencers from the communities to help amplify messages around immunization and later on, expand their participation and capacity so that they can support other health programmes.  
Component 1: Research  
1. Conduct a qualitative research to understand the factors that prevent access to immunization services in Taguig City and Manila.   - Develop a research design employing appropriate research methods including but not limited to in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation.  - Determine appropriate criteria for the selection of respondents, making sure that situations or contexts which are of special interest are covered (mobile and transient populations; migrant IP populations; highly compact neighbourhoods including those living near railroads and dumpsites; families with single and teenage mothers; remote areas) - Develop research instruments - Conduct the research and document the situation in the areas (using photos) focusing on issues and challenges related to immunization 2. Analyze the results and formulate specific recommendations particularly context-specific communication interventions and channels.  Areas covered: Taguig City and Manila  
Component 2: Community mobilization   
1. In coordination with barangay officials and health workers, identify potential champions/partners (non-health and barangay workers) in the community based on agreed criteria. - Conduct community assessments/consultations.  Beforehand, discuss the concept, proposed criteria, timelines, and activities with barangay captains and health workers; ensure that all inputs are taken into consideration and enrich/modify the concept, if necessary. - Introduce practical and innovative approaches for community mobilization, which are appropriate for highly urbanized areas. 2. Motivate and build the knowledge of the champions/partners on the issue and its solution.  - In coordination with barangay officials and health workers, conduct activities to brief the champions on the issue, its solution, and their roles.  - Develop effective messages to increase participants’ motivation  3. Develop a basic kit that champions/partners can use as guide in their interaction with their immediate community.  4. Monitor and document (photos and narratives) the relevant activities of the champions. Areas covered:  5 selected barangays in Taguig City and Manila, possibly, Brgy. West Bicutan and Brgy. South Signal in Taguig; and Barangay 108, BASECO, and Barangay 391 in Manila    
    
The expected deliverables and timeline are:  
Week Activity Deliverable Weeks 1 – 3* Development of the research design and tools (research)  Research design and tools Weeks 4 – 12* Data gathering (research) Final research report with executive summary  
High resolution photos 
Weeks 9 – 12* (overlaps with research activities in weeks 4-12)  
Consultations, recruitment, and capacity building for champions (social mobilization) 
Social mobilization plan List of champions Capacity building report 
Weeks 13 - 32* Development of basic communication kit for champions (social mobilization)  
Follow-up activities and monitoring (social mobilization) 
Basic communication kit    
Narrative report 
 *Timeline provided above is still subject to the best approach to be submitted by vendor.