SHORT TERM CONSULTANCY (STC) - Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)

BACKGROUND

Countries employ different registration methods to determine vaccination status. Performance of healthcare systems concerning the accuracy of their registries has been called into question. Perhaps, an electronic immunization registry system (EIRS) could improve monitoring, data quality, use of data and timely decision making to improve the service. Investigations indicate effective and reliable as EIRS could address common quality issues of traditional methods, such as handwritten charts, vaccination cards and parent records. For better monitoring of the timeliness of EPI vaccination, a registration and reporting system is needed that can efficiently manage completeness and timeliness of vaccination of children and report the accurate figure of immunization coverage by birth cohort.

Applying information technology to increase the timeliness of vaccination and accuracy of immunization data is important. There are clear opportunities to leverage the existing digital infrastructure to manage immunization data in an electronic format. An EIR  could ease some of the reporting burden on health workers by generating automatic reports and indicators, increase visualization and use of information at all levels, while also possibly engaging caregivers through SMS (short message service, or text) to help increase on-time immunization in the community; additionally EIR could help monitoring of vaccine use and availability at health facility and recording adverse events following immunization.

Lao PDR developed Data Quality Improvement Plan (DQIP) in 2016. The plan was developed based on the findings and recommendations from the Lao PDR Immunization Information Systems Analysis (IISA) conducted in late 2015. Overall, the plan focused on improving the immunization data quality, availability for better decision making. It is believed that EIRS can facilitate the achievements of main DQIP objectives.

However, a number of factors should be carefully considered before deciding to implement an EIR, such as: EPI programme needs, ideal functional requirements, available IT infrastructures, costs of development, set up and maintenance of an EIR system, availability of trained human resources to manage and use the system, governance mechanisms and capacity to ensure EIR sustainability. The selection of most suitable software/technical solution should be based on analysis of already existing platforms and long term eHealth country plans. Readiness for and feasibility of EIR implementation should be assessed and results used to plan for an effective and sustainable implementation approach.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

Purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a situation analysis and feasibility assessment for the implementation of an electronic immunization registry in Lao PDR.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

• Provide an overview of desirable standard requirements of an electronic immunization registry (EIR) to all relevant stakeholders to have common understanding of EIR purpose and functions.

• Analyse the country context in terms of:

   

  • Availability and performance of birth registration systems and unique IDs for children.
  • Characteristics and implementation status of existing electronic information systems that could potentially support an EIR and/or with which integration/interoperability should be considered.
  • Review of results from pilots of systems in Lao and in other countries for recording and reporting of vaccination data (i.e. DHIS2 event capturing, DHIS2 tracker, mobile-phone based reporting solutions)

• Identification of key stakeholders that should be involved in development of functional and technical requirements, EIR governance and implementation;

• Identify critical areas such as availability of IT infrastructure to support EIR from health facility to central level, basic computer literacy of health staff, and capacity for system maintenance, including skilled human resources and funds, needs for technical assistance.

• Assess the existing laws, policies, and requirements that support development and operation of health information systems including standards and policies for data security and confidentiality.

   

• Investigate possible integration or interoperability of EIR with the national integrated health management information system (DHIS2) and other systems (ex. mSupply, birth registration systems)

• Issue recommendations of ideal scope and requirements for EIR in Lao PDR context, and possible suitable technical solutions.

• Share the result with key stakeholders.

   

• Approximate costing of EIR development, implementation and maintenance

   

• Prepare overview and summary of the EIR assessment findings to be shared during a workshop with stakeholders.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Mainly the following methodologies will be used to conduct the work:

• Desk review of different documents related to the work
• Key informant interview at national and lower level
• Site visit and observation to selected provinces.

Deliverable:

The major deliverables include: (1) final assessment report and (2) a high level roadmap for EIR implementation to support further discussion at country level among MOH, partners and stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Masters level degree in public health or health informatics or in a closely related field

EDUCATION

Essential:  7 years of work experience in immunization programme, including experience related with electronic immunization registry system (EIRS)-

EXPERIENCE

• Essential: Sound knowledge and skills in EIRS for immunization program;
• Proven ability in conducting feasibility studies in health programs;
• Strong ability to process, analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
• Good computer skills in Microsoft office and Public health information management software such as EIR and/or DHIS2

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

LANGUAGES: High proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory

COMPETENCIES:

• Communicating in a credible and effective way
• Respecting and Promoting Individual and Cultural Differences
• Producing results.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date:  14/07/2019

End date: 13/08/2019

Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Travel

The Consultant is expected to arrive in Vientiane, Laos on July 14, 2019. To assess the capacity of health workers, explore DHIS2 event capturing system and to have clear understanding of the recording and reporting process at lower level the consultant will have travel to selected provinces. Travel dates to province/district/Health facilities are flexible.

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.

Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil  visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by date 21 June 2019. 

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 (USD) and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. WPRO/2019-06/LAO_EPI/TN91869/mnc as subject to all submission. 

Only successful candidates will be contacted.