Consultant for Case Study of Dengue Fever

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Vietnam Case Study: The effectiveness of dengue fever mitigation in urban and semi urban areas

Terms of Reference / Review: The effectiveness of dengue fever mitigation in urban and semi urban areas /November - December 2015, Viet Nam

Background

Dengue fever has been long present in Vietnam, particularly in the South of Vietnam. In recent years, an increase in incidence rates have been reported in urban areas, particularly in highly populated cities and new urban area. The Vietnam Red Cross (VNRC) with its known profile in disasters response, climate change adaptation and healthcare in community, since 2010 has invested in an operational intervention on building capacity in prevention, risk reduction and behavior change communication in urban and semi-urban communes in two Southern provinces namely Ho Chi Minh and Tien Giang. The intervention was later expanded to other at-risk communes, both urban and semi-urban, in Hau Giang, Da Nang and Khanh Hoa provinces.

Through the application of evidence-based approach, pre and post knowledge, attitudes and practice surveys were conducted in intervention sites from 2010 to 2015. Survey results were used to serve two purposes: describing and measuring the intervention’s performance and adapting training and communication materials. In addition, epidemiological understanding of dengue fever, particularly its geographical distribution, was also better used to narrow geographic coverage of the intervention.

Vietnam Red Cross has worked with a number of international organizations such as the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, the Earth Institute of Columbia University through the facilitation of the International to develop its capacity and training materials on climate change and dengue fever.Partnership with national Ministry of Health, the Pasteur Institute and other regional, provincial agencies under the Ministry of Health was also developed through collaboration in training and communication materials.

Purpose of the case study:

The case study has following purposes:

• i) to assist the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Vietnam Red Cross in compiling quantitative evidences to highlight and document the effectiveness and lessons learned on mitigating the affects of dengue fever in urban setting, thus inform the planning and implementation of future interventions;
• ii) to describe the interventions and provide insights and forward looking recommendations on the operational model for dengue fever risk reduction.
• iii) to provide necessary information based on the evidence and to serve as communication material for VNRC locally and internationally.

Firstly, the case study will analyze the findings from all existing baseline surveys and epidemiological data where is relevant and available. Quantitative analysis is aimed to assess the effectiveness of the project in urban versus semi-urban and where possible in intervention and non-intervention sites. Whereas the availability of data allows, epidemic curve in intervention sites will be made and triangulated with other quantitative findings from the Red Cross’s baseline and endline surveys. In addition, assessment and lessons learned from community in relation to behavior changecommunication, mobilization and management of volunteers as well as building partnership with other agencies will be implemented. Reviewing of project documents, reports and other relevant documentations will be made. Whereas it is feasible, consultation and interviews with key informants will be carried out. Lessons learned will be subtracted from qualitative and quantitative findings.

Secondly, base on findings derived from quantitative and qualitative data, recommendations on future model to mitigate dengue fever for urban and semi urban setting will be made. Recommendations shall focus not an operational model which helps Vietnam Red Cross to better prepare community to mitigate and response to dengue fever, shall it will be worsen by changing climate and rapid urbanization process.

Output:

The output of this assignment is to prepare a case study on the effectiveness of dengue fever mitigation in urban and semi urban area in selected provinces while capturing the success and challenges of the five-year intervention and the way forward.

Activity:

• Desk documentary review and preparation of interviews
• Quantitative analysis of existing data of five provinces
• Meet with VNRC leaders and relevant departments
• Carrying out field visits where interviews with community members and stakeholders to be implemented
• Write up case and develop the conclusion, recommendations and implication

Deliverables

The specific deliverables of the case study include:

1. Situational analysis on the trend of dengue fever and vulnerability and capacity of population living in urban and semi-urban setting.
2. Analysis of quantitative datasets collected through baseline and endlines surveys in Hochiminh, Tien Giang, Hau Giang, Da Nang and Khanh Hoa.
3. Describe of the operational model of Vietnam Red Cross: inputs, outputs and outcomes achieved.
4. Analyse the effectiveness and influential factors to the intervention implemented in urban and semi-urban areas.
5. Assess the effectiveness of communications tool and method used in the program.
6. Prepare a case study report that is based on quantitative and qualitative findings. The final report on Vietnam Case Study: The effectiveness of dengue fever mitigation in urban and semi-urban area should not be exceeding 20 pages, exclusive of annexes.

A case study entailing conclusions, recommendations and implication is made in both English and Vietnamese.

Methodology

Desk documentary review will cover reviewing of project reports, surveys, datasets collected and provided by the project. Whereas reliable sources are available, scientific evidence should be reviewed and referenced.

Quantitative analysis on the effectiveness of intervention model implemented by Vietnam Red Cross to mitigate risks and affects of dengue fever in urban and semi-urban area is the main focus of the case study. Additional epidemiological data from studied provinces will be analysed, subject to negotiation and agreement with the provincial health authorities. Quantitative data from existing surveys will be reviewed and analysed. Cost analysis to indicate any differences in costing and outcome achieved in urban and semi urban sites shall be made. Additionally, interviews with community members and stakeholders on the effectiveness of mitigation activities implemented will be conducted.

Reporting

The assignment will be implemented under short term consultancy arrangement with fixed number of work days, work plan and deliverables. The consultant will report directly to the Program Manager of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Delegation in Vietnam and work under technical supervision of the Regional Health Program Officer. The consultant will be liaising with Vietnam Red Cross and its local partners.

Timeframe

The activity is expected to start late November and complete on 20 December 2015. Final report should be submitted to VNRC and IFRC no later than 20 December 2015.

Consultant’s profile

The following qualifications and experience are required for the consultant for this assignment:

• A Master’s degree in public health.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in humanitarian health program, community risk reduction and/or climate change mitigation.
• Excellent research, analytical and writing skills.
• Proven capacity in conducting research.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of country’s situation and national health policy and program in dengue fever prevention control and climate change mitigation.
• Understanding of Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is a plus.

Cost structure

IFRC will cover the costs for the consultancy service. Practical arrangements for in-country field trip including air-fare, accommodation and in land taxi will be paid by the consultant and reimbursed by the IFRC. All practical arrangements shall be agreed with the IFRC beforehand.

Contact information

For further information, please contact:

Van Nguyen, Program Manager
Email: [email protected]

Application should be sent to email: [email protected] no later than 20 November 2015.