NTD Consultant

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1.Purpose of consultancy

Under the overall leadership and direct supervision of the WHO Representative in Zimbabwe, the incumbent will oversee the development and implementation of Zimbabwe’s NTD Master Plan in line with “Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030” and the Zimbabwe National Development Strategy (NDS1) as well as support the integration of NTDs and Malaria activities in the country.

2.Background

Zimbabwe has made very good progress in Malaria and NTDs control and elimination. Initial mapping for the four prevalent PC-NTDs (Trachoma, Schistosomiasis, Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis, and Lymphatic Filariasis) between 2010 and 2018, leading to the implementation of MDAs with respect to these conditions accordingly. With intensification of Malaria intervention malaria cases have declined over the years and the country has is scaling up subnational malaria elimination. Assessment for STH/SCH conducted in 2018 also showed dramatic decline in the prevalence of these conditions (schistosomiasis from 23% in 2010 to 5% in 2018; Soil transmitted helminthiasis from 6% in 2010 to 1% in 2018). This also in keeping with the Zimbabwe National Development Strategy NDS 1 which among other things seeks to reduce the burden of Bilharzia in the country by 2025. Additionally, the country, with the support of WHO has been able to build capacity in health workers in the detection and treatment of leprosy and sleeping sickness paving the way for the scaling up of services for these conditions.

Despite the progress, it is of concern that, since 2018 there has been an interruption of Mass Drug administration for lymphatic filariasis, soil transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis. The current NTD master plan is outdated and is not in sync with current Global guidance as well as the additional conditions that have been included in the list of NTDs including scabies and snake bite envenomization.

3.Deliverables

• NTD Master plan developed and packaged for printing, 3 months from assumption of duty

• Plan for implementation of Mass drug administration with supporting partner indicated, 1 month from assumption of duty

• Plan for capacity building in snake bite envenoming control and management

• Areas for integration of malaria and NTDs identified and implemented

4.Expected Assigned Duties/Work to be Performed:

1.Support MOHCC in the development of the NTD master plan in consultation with other stakeholders

2.Provide leadership in bringing stakeholder participation in the development of NTD master plan and NTD programme implementation including getting concrete partner contribution to the implementation of NTD activities.

3.Support the MOHCC in the preparation and carrying out of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminthiasis, trachoma and lymphatic filariasis

4.Provide technical support in the surveys or pilot surveys for taenia solium, scabies, snake bite envenomisation and other NTDs as guided by available evidence

5.Assist the MOH in the preparation and submission of Joint Application Package for 2022

6.Support capacity building of health workers in prevention, detection and treatment of leprosy, human African trypanosomiasis, snake bite envenomisation and malaria

7.Support MOHCC in implementing the integrated vector control as applied to malaria and NTDs, working closely with the Tsetse control department in the Ministry of Agriculture for the deployment of vector control for the prevention of Human African trypanosomiasis

8.Work closely with the National malaria control programme and NTD programme in development and implementing appropriate testing strategies for both Human African trypanosomiasis and malaria in malaria and HAT co-endemic areas

9.Provide technical support in coming up with a superimposed map for malaria, schistosomiasis, and HAT to facilitate common approach and maximize resource utilization.

10.Support MOHCC in carrying out a quick assessment of availability of case definitions for priority NTDs at health facility level and assist in the deployment of case definitions in health facilities for the detection and management of common NTDs

11.Support data analysis and report writing for lymphatic filariasis remapping as well as well as subdistrict mapping for schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminthiasis.

12.Support in strengthening surveillance, monitoring and evaluation related to malaria and neglected tropical diseases

13.The Officer will also perform any other activities assigned by the WR.

5.Educational Qualifications:

Essential: University Degree in any Health-related field, Public Health or Social Sciences

Desirable: A Master’s degree in Public Health will be an advantage

6.Experience

Essential: Minimum of 5 years of professional practical experience in diseases control programmes at provincial or national levels with a good understanding of malaria and/or NTDs control and elimination

Desirable: Experience in working with United Nations, bilateral or other multilateral organizations in Zimbabwe will be an advantage.

7.Skills/Knowledge:

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

• Expert knowledge of both written and spoken English

• Intermediate Knowledge of Ndebele and/or Shona will be an added advantage