John Snow, Incorporated (JSI) – We are public health care and health systems consultants and researchers driven by a passion to improve health services and health outcomes for all.
Title: Request for Quotations (RFQ) to Support the Development of Integrated Reaching Every Ward Microplans in MRITE-Focused States
Location: Nigeria
Employment Type: Contract
Introduction
- Immunization has made some significant strides in Nigeria from 33% in 2017 to 57% in 2021, however attaining high immunization coverage has remained a problem, with routine immunization (RI) coverage rates for penta3 at 57% for all 3 doses.
- To expedite progress and focuson implementing strategic interventions towards improving immunization coverage, Nigeria launched the Strategy for Immunization and Primary Healthcare System Strengthening in 2018. This outlines a lot of strategies geared towards increasing immunization services especially targeting zero dose children.
- Nigeria accounts for 2.2 million zero-dose children (ZD) in the West Africa region and one of the highest in the world. NPHCDA conducted a prioritization exercise and identified 100 LGAs in 18 states with unimmunized children and has been implementing some strategies such as the RI intensification, however, the plan of reducing ZD children by at least 15% annually has not been reached.
- To achieve this, strategies customized to different settings are required to address context specific immunization issues relating to zero dose and underserved communities.
Project Background
- John Snow Incorporated (JSI) is a US based not for profit organization that supports Nigeria to strengthen health systems. MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (MRITE) is a subsidiary of the John Snow Incorporated. MRITE project is part of a suite of innovative awards funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to holistically improve family planning and maternal and child health in partner countries around the world.
- The project applies best practices and explores innovations to increase equitable immunization coverage in USAID-supported countries around the world. MRITE has improved immunization coverage across various states in the country including Lagos.
- MRITE has been strengthening immunization in some states across the country including Lagos and Imo states as access to routine immunization services is crucial for safeguarding the health of children and preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Lagos is one of the states that experienced Diptheria outbreaks recently and also has an LGA with the highest number of Zero-dose children in the country.
- To ensure that all children are fully vaccinated, strategies must be put in place to ensure every child is reached with immunization services.
- A key strategy is to develop clear microplans and/or update already existing ones that reach every ward to improve immunization coverage.
- In the MRITE focused states, the catchment area population used for the integrated REW micro plan is derived from the projected 2006 census which stops at ward level.
- Each facility and settlement is then allocated an arbitrary population data for micro planning purposes. Under this approach, hand-drawn maps are used, which can be inaccurate and have the potential for missed settlements.
- MRITE, will support its facilities, using GIS for micro planning process, which will help improve access to RI/PHC services as the accuracy in determining fixed, outreach and mobile strategies will be enhanced.
- This will consequently improve integrated micro plans with better population estimate developed, that will improve RI coverage and provision of other PHC services.
Goal
- The overall goal is to support the states develop a Reaching Every Ward (REW) microplan for Primary Health Care facilities in the states.
Objectives
- The firm will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring strategies to ensure settlements are adequately mapped and walkthrough microplans to improve immunization coverage in the states.
The specific objectives include:
- Identify and map all settlements based on their populations within select LGAs in the states
- Develop clear microplans integrating all components needed for strong routine immunization service delivery and PHC.
Scope of Work
- Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current immunization status in Lagos and Imo states, identifying areas with the high concentrations of zero dose and underserved children to prioritize for microplan development/update
- Identify key stakeholders and their roles to enable effective involvement and include local community organizations to ensure community-level input in the immunization process
- Review existing policies, guidelines, and data related to immunization in both states
- Conduct meetings with relevant health authorities, government officials, community leaders, and healthcare workers to gather insights
- Facilitate workshops to ensure active participation and collaboration among stakeholders
- Implement awareness campaigns to address myths and misconceptions about immunization
- Utilize GIS mapping to identify high-risk areas and optimize resource allocation
- Train staff to conduct walkthrough microplanning in the 2 states
- Develop a comprehensive microplan for each ward, outlining strategies for immunization coverage improvement.
- Include details on targeted interventions, community mobilization, and communication strategies
- Ensure the sustainability of the microplan through ongoing training and support
- Establish a robust monitoring, evaluation and supportive supervision to track the progress of work
The specific responsibilities of the firm include:
- Review the status of GIS mapping in the states (information gathering and reconciliation assessment preparation and planning)
- Stakeholder and community consultation
- Surveying, capture and data processing and geospatial analysis
- Production of standardized GIS maps and population estimates for MRITE supported health facilities in the 5 states
- Dissemination of developed maps and GIS data
- Build capacity of State/LGA program officers on the use of GIS mapping for micro planning
- Write and submit the technical report of all processes to MEAL Director.
Project deliverables
- A completed GIS report showing mapped areas
- A comprehensive report on the processes employed during microplan development
- Insightful power point presentations of findings from assessment and analysis
- Well-developed/updated RI/PHC REW microplan
- A monitoring, evaluation and learning reports.
Budget
- Prepare a budget estimate covering all aspects of the microplan development and implementation.
- Clearly outline the allocation of funds for training, communication materials, and other necessary resources.
Project workplace:
- The primary focus area will be select LGAs in the 5 states. However, coordination and collaboration may extend to neighbouring LGAs.
Expected Duration of Assignment:
- The assignment is expected to be completed within two months.
Payment terms and conditions
- Payment will be structured based on the achievement of predefined milestones. An advance will be provided upon project commencement, followed by subsequent payments tied to the successful completion of key deliverables.
Application closing Date
To be Decided (TBD).
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Proposals, including a detailed Workplan and Budget to the Technical Manager via: recruiting@ng.jsi.com using “Firm to Develop / Update Reaching Every Ward Microplans in Stated State” as the subject of the mail.
Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.