Background
Uganda like many other countries in the African region has been participating in the polio endgame plan activities aimed at eradicating the Wild Poliovirus (WPV) by 2021. Despite the non-detection of WPV in Uganda since 2010, the country detected circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) in June 2021. And there is still a risk of importation of wild poliovirus (WPV) due to the following:
In 2014, confirmed VDPV in Bugisu, Mbale and Kabale regions an indication of low routine immunization coverage
Uganda has had a confirmed polio compatible case in the last two years
Currently hosting refugees (West Nile, Hoima, Kabarole, Karamoja, KCCA, Wakiso districts)
More districts with sub-optimal performance in surveillance (<80% of districts with a rate of <2/100,000)
The Ministry of Health (MoH) with the support from stakeholders has therefore made plans to conduct a Nationwide Polio Campaign in November/December 2021 to respond to the confirmed cVDPV.
High-quality campaigns are critical for the effective control of target diseases. In this regard, support is needed in the monitoring and evaluation of the upcoming SIAs. Independent monitoring remains relevant to documenting the process and outcomes of SIAs. Critical aspects of the campaign shall be monitored including a) quality of implementation at the household level, b) quality of implementation in public places c) missed children including reasons for non-vaccination, and d) effective social mobilization strategies.
An APW holder with support from the WHO country office will oversee this activity. This exercise will be done in all districts and will be complemented by the LQAS in selected districts.
Expected Output:
The overall expected output is to assess the quality of the polio immunization campaign and verification of administrative coverage to provide strategic direction to mop up teams in the districts.
Terms of Reference
Under the overall supervision of the WHO/EPI Team, WHO Data manager and with guidance and consultation with the UNEPI Programme Manager, the Independent Monitoring Consultant will undertake the following tasks;
Support the review and finalization of the training materials and data collection tools for independent monitoring.
Identify and follow up a selection of a high-quality team of independent monitors preferably health workers – nurses, midwives, clinical officers
Should ensure that all information required to pay the monitors is provided to WCO a week before field deployment.
Facilitate the training of the independent monitors. To ensure that the independent monitors are fully familiar with their tasks such as carrying out selection of sub-counties, villages and households in which to conduct the exercise according to WHO guidelines that will be discussed during the training workshop;
Each member of the independent monitoring team has the necessary materials for their daily activities;
Data collection is done according to the stated instructions, using data tools provided;
Carefully review the completed forms before leaving the survey area and ensure completeness and absence of errors;
Ensure the welfare and security of the independent monitoring team members.
Coordinate and follow up independent monitors in the field.
Troubleshoot any problems and provide daily updates to the national level
Facilitate implementation of the feedback meeting
Support the process of data entry, management and analysis
To ensure that a final report in accordance with the WHO guidelines is compiled and shared timely with all stakeholders through WCO. The report (narrative and excel format) should be shared with WCO within 7 days of completion of the feedback meeting.
Ensure that all financial reports are submitted, reviewed and cleared by the WCo.
Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree or higher in any of the following areas: Epidemiology, Statistics, Public health
Documented experience in conducting polio SIAs independent monitoring processes, with at least 5 or more years of experience (from 2013 to date)
Methods
Consultations with WHO EPI Team, WHO data manager, UNEPI, WHO and UNICEF and other partners.
Meetings and communication with central supervisors and independent monitors.
Communication with the District Health Officers
Expected outputs
Finalized training materials and data collection tools.
A well trained pool of independent monitors for the Polio SIAs
Technical Report.
Financial report of funds disbursed to the monitors
Duration
28 working days
How to apply
Applications can be sent to the email below
Namabandaf@who.int