To support the improvement of efficiency and quality of Vaccine Vigilance, in particular, Adverse Events following Immunization (AEFI) surveillance

BACKGROUND

A functional post marketing surveillance system is a critical component of the health systems. This is necessary to monitor vaccine adverse events and ensure they are safe as possible. Generally, it is called Pharmacovigilance which is now an integral part of the regulation of medicine and vaccine safety.  Surveillance allows proper management of AEFI to identify the correct immunization-related events, identify coincidental occurrence and avoid inappropriate responses to reports of AEFI that can create undue public concern. 

Although most countries in the Western Pacific Region are knowledgeable and committed in reporting vaccine adverse events from the sub-national level to the national level, it still unclear how the data are collected and analysed in some countries. There is no harmonized format available even within the country. It is hoped that this project will help the countries to harmonize and improve the AEFI surveillance system.

The Vaccine Adverse Events Information Management System (VAEIMS) is a software tool developed by the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) with technical guidance from WHO to transfer data on AEFI from the periphery of the health care system, efficiently and accurately into a central database for processing and conversion of raw data to information for action. VAEIMS has been ingeniously designed to incorporate the 25 core variables that are required for AEFI reporting and made user-friendly so that countries can integrate it into their own existing health information systems with minimal changes.

The contractor will conduct a situational analysis on the current system of the AEFI surveillance and data management of the countries that expressed intent to use VAEIMS software tool and identify whether the country needs a full package (AEFI data collection module, AEFI data analysis module, Globally AEFI data sharing module) or a bridging tool. The consultant will assist and guide the countries until they are familiarized with the software and established procedures for maintenance.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

To support in improving the efficiency and quality of Vaccine Vigilance, in particular, Adverse Events following Immunization (AEFI) surveillance of the Member States that requested WHO's support for operationalizing vaccine and immunization data collection using WHO standardized format.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The consultant will work with EMT mainly and closely coordinating with Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization team (on vaccine) to deliver the following:

Output/s

Output 1: Installation of the software for vaccine safety data collection and processing and related convenient tool(s) in various places (e.g., WPRO, Philippines, Fiji and Solomon Islands, but not limited to these places)

Deliverable 1:  Virtual discussion with government stakeholders responsible for vaccine pharmacovigilance including AEFI surveillance and response – key findings and list of actions to be taken

Output 2:  Technical assistance on the operation of VAEIMS software and bridging solutions that can be linked with WHO global medicine safety database by ICH E2B standard

Deliverable 2:  Virtual training of regional and national focal persons on the software tools

Output 3:  Post-operation assistance on the maintenance of VAEIMS software and bridging solutions

Deliverable 3:  Virtual consultation with national focal persons on the software tools

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential: University degree in information technology, computer science, epidemiology, health science, biostatistics, public health or related field from a recognized university

Desirable: vaccine or medicine safety information management software developer

EXPERIENCES

Essential: Minimum of five years of professional experience, including international experience, in Vaccine safety IT solution. Working experience in developing countries

Desirable: Experience in public health programmes/policies at national or sub-national levels in the Asia-Pacific

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

1. Data management and statistical skills including proficiency in statistical programmes and packages

2. Epidemiological skills and research experience demonstrated by country epidemiological reviews and peer review publications.

LANGUAGES

Written and spoken fluency in English is essential.

COMPETENCIES

• 1. Teamwork
• 2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• 3. Communication
• 4. Knowing and managing yourself
• 5. Producing result

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

No travel is agreed at the time of contract. However, based on justification and subject to availability of funding, it can be considered in the course of contract period.

Contract Duration: 11 December 2020 (tentative) - 30 June 2021

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 7 December 2020.

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. 118455 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.