ABOUT AFRICAN CONSTITUENCY BUREAU FOR THE GLOBAL FUND (ACB)
The Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) has two constituencies representing Africa namely, the Eastern and Southern African (ESA) and West and Central Africa (WCA). The two constituencies took a joined-up approach in 2012 with a twofold intent: to ensure that constituency priorities are reflected in Global Fund strategy and operational plans; and to strengthen the presence, voice and contributions of the constituencies, through their delegations, in all Global Fund processes. The constituencies adopted a new governance framework that, amongst other things, introduce the concept of establishing a joint ESA and WCA Bureau to support the board members, alternates, committee members and delegates representing countries from these two constituencies. The Constituencies comprise a total of 47 countries.
The ACB, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ensures effective engagement, representation and participation of African Constituencies, ESA and WCA, in Global Fund Board processes.
Background to this opportunity
The Global Fund, the biggest multi-lateral mechanism, is at the centre of the global community’s efforts to end AIDS, TB and malaria by 2030. The fund is in the process of developing its post-2022 strategic plan. There is so much at stake for this plan given it will be the last before the 2030 goal of ending the three epidemics. It cannot be business as usual and the margin for error is therefore extremely limited.
Africa bears the biggest share of the global burden of malaria and HIV and a considerable burden of TB. As the epicenter of the epidemics, it is critical that the continent is at the forefront of developing evidence-based interventions that will turn the tide of these epidemics and engage in discussions on the Global Fund’s next strategy. This will be a huge demonstration of the continent’s ownership of global strategies towards ending the three epidemics in 2030.
Creation of resilient and sustainable systems for health (RSSH) has been recognized by many stakeholders in global health, and Africa in particular, as an important precursor not just to ending the HIV, TB and malaria epidemics, but also to the realization of universal health coverage for all by 2030. While there have been increases in data utilization to predict health trends and inform programming decisions at the global level through tools such as HealthMap, many African countries continue to rely on paper-based records or aggregated data for information at the country and local levels. In times of public health emergencies and outbreaks, as currently being evidenced through COVID-19 pandemic and the ebola virus outbreaks before it, the health management information system (HMIS) may not be responsive enough to provide data for a timely, effective and well-informed response.
Modern HMIS must have the ability to address emerging diseases and urgent health threats, whether natural or manmade. This will require comprehensive surveillance systems that are capable for rapid detection and investigation (including laboratory and epidemiological analyses) of unusual events that might represent a threat to health. Appropriate response measures therefore need to be implemented by adopting and adapting global health information standards that are aligned to broader efforts to improve the availability and quality of data generated.
Strengthening HMIS remains a priority in Africa. The Catalytic Framework for Ending HIV, TB and malaria has the first strategic investment area focusing on health systems strengthening with Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) and surveillance as one of the key components. The Common Africa Position (CAP) on TB towards the 2018 UNGA HLM on TB also prioritized HMIS with a focus on strengthening national data management systems, decennial census, large-scale special surveys, civil registration and vital statistics at various levels as a prerequisite for measuring results and improving equity in health.
Noting the fragmented HMIS in Africa to perform comprehensive analysis and derive meaningful, evidence-based conclusions, the ACB wishes to explore HMIS at the continental level with a view to identify areas of synergy, good practices and existing legislation that supports HMIS among others.
As can be seen from the foregoing, therefore, strengthening health system is an important priority for Africa if the region is to end the epidemics or achieve UHC by 2030. Addressing HIMS deficiencies is actually a key component of the Global Fund’s current RSSH response. The question however is how can Africa operationalize and realize its HMIS ambitions and what role can the Global Fund play in this process? The ACB is therefore seeking to hire a consultant that will support the organization to conduct a deep dive into HIMS in Africa and provide evidence-informed guidance on how the region can be more strategic in this area.
Scope of work:
Below is the expected scope of work under this assignment:
Deliverables:
Terms of the appointment:
The successful consultant will be expected to complete this assignment within 30 calendar days and should be willing and available to participate in a dissemination meeting with various stakeholders, including countries, technical partners and funders.
Qualifications:
Experience: