Terms of Reference for Agreement for Performance of Work (APW)
To support Polio Eradication Activities in High Risk Counties, 2021
Duration: 1st September to 31st December 2021 (4 Months).
Purpose of APW: Strengthening Polio Surveillance in Kiambu & Embu Counties
Duty Station: Kiambu & Embu Counties. NB. The Incumbent will work first in one county before moving to the other**.
Background:
Kenya is currently experiencing a cVDPV2 outbreak since February 2021, with cVDPV2 isolated from two environmental samples collected from sites in Garissa (December 2020) and Mombasa (January 2021) and from a healthy child who arrived the Dadaab refugee camp from Somalia in November 2020. All isolations of cVDPV2 have been linked to viruses originating in Somalia. The country is currently implementing outbreak response activities including surveillance strengthening activities as well as outbreak response immunization campaigns with mOPV2. Kenya is also one of the countries that is preparing for the use of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), a new tool developed to better address the risk of type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2). Two rounds of vaccination with nOPV2 are expected to be conducted in October and November for the entire country. As such, the country needs to strengthen its surveillance to meet the criteria for use of nOPV2 which requires that at least 80% of districts achieve a non-polio AFP rate of >2/100000 population under 15 and maintain a stool adequacy of 80%. Additionally, surveillance following the use of the nOPV2 will need to continue to monitor for any adverse events of special interest following its use. WHO plans to deploy surveillance consultants support the county and sub county teams in implementation of enhanced surveillance activities to increase and maintain the sensitivity of the system in selected counties with sub optimal performance. They will work alongside the county and sub county disease surveillance coordinators in their deployment areas.
Scope of work:
The APW holder will work under the overall supervision of the WHO IVD focal point and day to day guidance of the WHO Cluster Supervisor for respective County and will perform the duties as below;
- Support County and Sub-County Health Management teams to strengthen and maintain a sensitive active surveillance system within the framework of IDSR with a special focus on polio eradication, and vaccine preventable diseases as follows:
• Support the CDSC and SCDSCs to review, rationalize and prioritize active surveillance sites for AFP
• Conduct, in collaboration with CDSC, SCDSC, AFP focal persons, active case search in at least 90% of surveillance sites, health facilities and in the community as per National and County surveillance guidelines
• Strengthen the capacities of the county and sub county surveillance team and AFP surveillance network through conducting AFP surveillance orientation, sensitization or training of at least 90% personnel in the surveillance network including community health volunteers and informants
• Ensure AFP and VPD IEC materials are distributed and displayed in all health facilities and surveillance sites
• Conduct retroactive case search for missed AFP cases in priority health facilities
• Support all AFP case investigation, stool sample collection from case and contacts, validation, 60 days follow up, geocoding, and Zero-dose investigation, in line with WHO guidelines
• Collaborate with the local health entities and other national and international health partners including UN agencies and NGOs in strengthening polio eradication effort especially in the Refugee camps.
• Undertake regular field supervision visits to assess and evaluate the implementation of surveillance activities, identify gaps and recommend corrective actions based on key performance indicators.
• Coordinate and ensure all the expected data, reports and other information are transmitted to National level as per guidelines
• To regularly monitor & review performance of all sub-counties to determine whether AFP surveillance indicators and other VPDs target performance are achieved and discuss way forward
• Analyse IDSR data for unusual trends, data discrepancy and cases missed by VPD surveillance and institute corrective measures.
Support the sub county and county teams to prepare for the introduction and use of nOPV2 in responding to polio outbreaks
Support planning, implementation and monitoring of supplemental Immunization Activities
Support sub county and county teams to strengthen routine immunization through:
• Capacity building for health workers on routine immunization
• Support sub county teams to map high risk populations and identify ways to reach them with vaccines.
• Support Routine Immunization focal points to conduct support supervision of RI providing facilities
• Conduct and support the county and sub county team to analyse their data and identify areas of improvement
Support sub county and county teams to conduct Outbreak investigation and response to VPDs
Perform any other duties, as required by the WHO IVD focal point or WHO Cluster surveillance or Immunization officer.
Qualification requirements:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in medicine or health related field. Master’s Degree in epidemiology, Public Health from a recognized institute will be desirable.
Experience:
o At least three years’ experience, at the county or sub county levels, in implementation of public health surveillance, immunization program, outbreak investigation and response in humanitarian settings.
o Prior working experience in Acute Flaccid Paralysis /Vaccine Preventable Disease surveillance and polio eradication programme will be desirable
Skills:
o Analytical skills and evidence of ability to collect, analyse information and data and use the data for action.
o Skill in MS office and web-based applications.
o Ability to write reports.
Applications are required from individuals who meet the criteria.
How to apply:
Qualified Kenyan Nationals should submit a Cover letter with an updated Curriculum Vitae based on the TORs on or before 11 August 2021 using the email address; afkenhr@who.int.
Please quote the Title of the Job Vacancy on the subject while applying for this position.