Consultant to support the African Union Commission in NTD data collection

Background

Africa is the continent where Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are highly endemic, especially the rural communities where there is limited or no access to quality and affordable health services and low access to sanitation and clean water. Around 40% of global NTD cases are reported in Africa and among the 55 African Union Member States (AU MS), 37 face the co-endemicity of at least five NTDs. These diseases cause severe pain, long-term disability and stigma among those affected. Consequences are huge among the Africa youths including school-age children with low school attendance and absenteeism. NTDs are debilitating, also affecting the overall productivity, hindering households from engaging in gainful employment or economic growth, leading families into poverty, with an overall long-term negative impact to economic prosperity of the African populations. These preventable diseases can be controlled, eliminated or eradicated. Remarkable progress in the fight against NTDs have been made, the Continental Framework and African Common Position on NTDs alongside the WHO 2030 NTD roadmap were developed to provide with a clear roadmap for action, offering hope and a renewed commitment to tackling these diseases head-on. Additionally, by the end of 2023, 21 African Union Member States were certified to have eliminated at least one NTD.

Despite all the ongoing efforts, Africa is still facing issue of lack of real time data for many NTDs and this is an obstacle to real time evidence-based decisions, including advocacy and resource mobilization. Data are an invaluable tool in the development and implementation of strategic interventions against NTDs. Since 2017, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) has been actively working with the African Union Commission (AUC), AU MS in their efforts to control and eliminate NTDs through the use of NTDs scorecards for accountability and action. Improving the data collection process to ensure that information on NTDs is captured in the existing data platforms such as HMIS and DHIS will promote MS ownership of the programs and encourage leadership in address NTDs at national level. Reporting on NTD data, especially on domestic financing for NTDs will support existing efforts to accelerate the fight against NTDs as we aspire to reach 2030 NTD elimination agenda.

Since 2022, numerous discussions have been held by the AUC with the Member States regarding the need to improve data collection for NTDs at National level. These consultations undertaken during regional meetings in West, Central, East and Southern Africa have highlighted challenges that MS face in capturing real time data for NTDs and the need for additional support in setting up systems that will ensure data is collected and entered into the national health information system to promote ownership of the data. Addressing the data collection challenges will ensure that MS implement strategies towards the control of NTDs based on the need and not on assumed risks.

Further, the AUC and ALMA with multiple consultative meetings with key partners including Uniting to Combat NTDs (UTC), World Health Organization (WHO), Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of NTDs (ESPEN), Kikundi, and NTD Managers on additional NTD indicators for the ALMA scorecard. AUC and ALMA convened two meetings with NTD stakeholders to discuss possible indicators for the ALMA scorecard to track the implementation of the Continental Framework for NTDs. In addition, a meeting with WHO/Geneva to discuss increasing the red threshold for the NTD coverage index from 25 to 50 and additional indicators that can support the NTD coverage index on the scorecard was held.

Other consultative meetings include a workshop co-hosted with Kikundi on country ownership and the sustainability of NTD programs at the 14th annual NNN Conference in Dar es Salaam/Tanzania, which brought together around 100 participants such as NTD Programme Managers, experts, and other stakeholders to discuss sustainability initiatives and work on a list of indicators for the ALMA scorecard. The three regional meetings on NTDs organized by AUC in collaboration with Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and different NTD partners including ALMA in November 2022, June and December 2023 have been also an opportunity to discuss possible indicators to be added in the continental scorecard and the data collection possibilities.

Based on the above consultation with MS and Stakeholders, the Commission has developed a reporting tool on NTDs which is derived from the M&E section of the Continental Framework on NTDs which has been circulated to the MS. The tool is expected to provide data for the Biennial reporting of the progress on NTDs to the Specialised Technical Committee on Health Population and Drug Control. The indicators that have been highlighted as an entry include:

  • Domestic financing for NTDs (for example, Inclusion of a NTD National budget line, % of county NTD roadmap/NSP financed through domestic resources; removal of user fees for NTD services)
  • Human resources
  • Collaboration and harmonisation
  • Partnerships
  • Integration of programmes (for example Vector borne diseases prioritised in climate change and health in nationally determined contributions)
  • Others (for example % of NTD roadmap/NSP indicators captured in HMIS/DHIS2)

Based on data availability, these indicators will be categorized into different waves, though it is worth noting that these will be expanded upon in line with Continental Framework for NTDs as systems are being set up.

Objectives

  1. To support the comprehensive process of data collection for NTD for selected indicators across Member States
  2. To support the set up of data collection systems and ensure the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of data collected from various sources.
  3. To analyse collected data and produce actionable insights and recommendations based on findings.
  4. To facilitate the reporting to various AUC organs and dissemination to relevant stakeholders.

Scope of work

  1. Provide detailed guidance for systematic collection and reporting on NTDs data into the national health information systems
  2. Develop a detailed data collection methodology, including sampling strategies, data sources, and tools for data collection.
  3. Identify and liaise with relevant stakeholders, organizations, and institutions across the continent to obtain necessary data.
  4. Collect quantitative and qualitative data through interviews, literature reviews, and other appropriate methods.
  5. Ensure data integrity and quality control measures throughout the data collection process.
  6. Analyse collected data using appropriate statistical and analytical techniques.
  7. Prepare comprehensive reports summarizing key findings, trends, and insights.
  8. Present findings to stakeholders through presentations, workshops, or other appropriate channels.
  9. Provide recommendations based on data analysis to inform decision-making and policy development.

Deliverables

  1. Guidance document on improved data collection methods for MS
  2. Data collection methodology document outlining the approach, tools, and timeline.
  3. Detailed data collection plan specifying activities, responsibilities, and timelines.
  4. Completed data collection including raw data, cleaned datasets, and documentation.
  5. Data analysis report presenting key findings, trends, and insights.
  6. Final report summarizing the entire data collection process, analysis, and recommendations.
  7. Presentation materials for stakeholders.

Timeline

This activity will be conducted in six months, from 1 May 2024.

Qualifications and expertise

  1. Advanced degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or related field
  2. Extensive experience in data collection, analysis, and research, preferably at a continental or global level.
  3. Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including proficiency in statistical software.
  4. Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  5. Experience working with diverse stakeholders across different regions.
  6. Being proficient in both English and French

Reporting and supervision

  1. The consultant will report to the AUC, under the supervision of Dr Sheila Shawa Tamara
  2. Weekly progress updates and meetings will be scheduled to review progress and address any issues or concerns.

Evaluation

The consultant’s performance will be evaluated on monthly basis based on the quality and timeliness of deliverables, adherence to the agreed-upon methodology and timeline, and overall effectiveness in achieving the project objectives.

Confidentiality

The consultant is expected to adhere to strict confidentiality requirements and ensure the security of all data collected during the project.

Submit your application

Please submit your applications to info@alma2030.org by Sunday, 21 April 2024.