BACKGROUND

In 2013, the Vanuatu Ministry of Health decided to establish a new electronic health information system utilizing the District Health Information System v2.0 (DHIS2). The system became operational in late 2014 and has gone through a series of upgrades to enhance the availability of health information for decision-making at all levels of the health system. The system was originally called the Vanuatu Public Health Information System 2 (VanPHIS2) but has been rebranded following recent extensions and is now called the Vanuatu Health Management Information System (VanHMIS).

A malaria module was initially developed for VanHMIS to enable management of event-based Monthly Malaria Line List (MMLL) data with dashboards developed for visualisation of national- and provincial-level information. In 2020, the MMLL forms were updated to collate information on G6PD testing, primaquine issuance, and other key parameters. The event-based module therefore requires updating to align with these changes so as to enable data entry and dashboard display.

A new National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination 2021-2026 has been developed to guide progress towards the vision of a malaria free Vanuatu, contributing to the good health and well-being of the population. This Strategic Plan includes as Key Intervention 1: Case-based surveillance for elimination and prevention of re-establishment.  In order to support the shift to case-based surveillance, response and follow-up, a DHIS-2 malaria tracker module was developed and was piloted in selected provinces in 2019-2020. Revisions to the tracker module are required based on Ministry of Health user feedback.

The WHO Global Malaria Programme developed DHIS2-based entomology and vector control data collection and collation tools which may meet some additional needs of the Vanuatu Ministry of Health for improved data management. Integration of components of these tools needs to be explored in order to determine appropriateness for VanPHIS.

The WHO Vanuatu Country Liaison Office are therefore seeking a consultant to provide technical assistance to the Vanuatu Ministry of Health to update the malaria modules of VanPHIS to align with the malaria elimination agenda.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The purpose of the consultancy is to provide support to the Vanuatu Ministry of Health to update the malaria modules of their District Health Information System v2.0 (DHIS2). This is required to align the malaria event database with updates to the Monthly Malaria Line List (MMLL) forms, to finalise the malaria tracker module based on feedback from a pilot phase conducted in 2019-2020, and to add components for entomology and vector control data collection. The consultant will work with national and provincial staff to support efforts to strengthen malaria information systems so as to support the Vanuatu Ministry of Health to achieve and sustain malaria elimination.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Under the guidance of the Coordinator of the Malaria and Other Vector Borne Diseases Control Program, the Malaria Surveillance Officer, the Health Information Officer and the WHO Technical Officer for Malaria and other vector-borne diseases:

• • Develop specifications for update the malaria tracker module based on information provided from the piloting phase
• • Finalise updates to the malaria tracker, including to create indicators and reporting outputs (eg. standard reports, dashboards/visualisations and scorecards)
• • To update data entry forms and develop dashboards that include tables, graphs and maps
• • Update the malaria event register to enable entry of additional parameters collected on the MMLL, and integrate indicators into national and provincial dashboards
• • Identify options and process for integration of pre-developed entomology and vector control modules in VanPHIS
• • Proceed with integration and adaption of the entomology and vector control modules as requested
• • Finalise a user manual and training materials on the malaria modules
• • Remotely support a training workshops for selected MoH staff, including conducting an online, informal “training of trainers” to enable MoH personnel to deliver the workshops
• • Provide overall maintenance and training support for DHIS2 implementation during the contract period.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The consultant(s) or consulting company will work remotely due to current COVID-19 travel restrictions and will use a range of communication tools and strategies to coordinate with MoH and WHO counterparts.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:

• • A qualification in Public Health and/or Health information technology/Digital Health.

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• • At least 5 years’ experience in the design and maintenance of databases using the DHIS2 software. At least 5 years’ experience in health information systems, public health and database design. Experience working in Pacific Island countries is preferable.
• • Strong business (clinical and public health) and digital/ technical acumen with demonstrable track record of success.

Desirable:

• • Familiarity and experience working with VanPHIS in Vanuatu is highly desirable.
• • Previous experience in resource poor settings in public health, health information systems, health informatic management, and monitoring and evaluation.
• • Previous international experience in digital health or similar role.
• • A medical science, public health or related health professional background.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Excellent communication skills;
• • Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills;
• • Ability to work in a team with limited supervision; and
• • Ability to work under pressure.

LANGUAGES

• • Written and spoken fluency in English is essential;
• • Written and spoken fluency in one of the UN languages.
• • Knowledge of French and/or Bislama would be an advantage.

COMPETENCIES

• • Must be able to provide ongoing support, training and capacity building to MOH and WHO in DHIS2 database development and maintenance.
• • Must be: (1) a competent communicator; (2) capable of meeting deliverables on time; and (3) adaptable to changing contexts.
• • Teamwork; respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences; communication; knowing and managing yourself; and, producing results.

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit to the Supply Officer through WPRO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 24 June 2021:

1. Expression of Interest {cover letter} that indicates: a) how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position, b) proposed daily consultancy fee, and c) availability to commence the work.  
2. Curriculum vitae.

Please use Tender Notice No. 131635 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Progress of this work is subject to confirmation of funding.