Livestock – Epidemio - Surveillance Project Southern Sub – Project (Southern Sudan)
Baseline survey to map the extent of the expansion of East Coat Fever in South Sudan
Terms of Reference
Introduction
Veterinaires Sans Frontieres Belgium (VSF-Belgium) is an international non-governmental organization whose vision is to improve the welfare of vulnerable populations in developing countries, through improving animal health and production.
We have been a key player in the livestock sector in Southern Sudan since 1995 with a major role in the establishment of a community based animal health delivery system. Since 2007 VSF Belgium has been involved directly in supporting the Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries (MARF) in the establishment of an effective and efficient disease surveillance system in South Sudan.
This is under Livestock Epidemio-surveillance Southern sub-project (LESP) through a grant from the European Community (EC), a parallel project is being implemented in northern Sudan.
The overall objective of the project is long-term reduction of poverty of those involved in livestock farming.
The specific objectives are:
Baseline survey to map the extent of the expansion of East Coat Fever in South Sudan
Terms of Reference
Introduction
Veterinaires Sans Frontieres Belgium (VSF-Belgium) is an international non-governmental organization whose vision is to improve the welfare of vulnerable populations in developing countries, through improving animal health and production.
We have been a key player in the livestock sector in Southern Sudan since 1995 with a major role in the establishment of a community based animal health delivery system. Since 2007 VSF Belgium has been involved directly in supporting the Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries (MARF) in the establishment of an effective and efficient disease surveillance system in South Sudan.This is under Livestock Epidemio-surveillance Southern sub-project (LESP) through a grant from the European Community (EC), a parallel project is being implemented in northern Sudan.
The overall objective of the project is long-term reduction of poverty of those involved in livestock farming.
The specific objectives are:
- Completion of the rinderpest eradication pathway in Southern Sudan completed by 2008.
- Establishment of an effective and sustainable epidemio-surveillance system (ESS) owned and supported by the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) in order to support timely and effectively livestock disease control
- Ensure that the GoSS Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries (MARF) has an informed and fully-costed strategy addressing main animal health issues affecting Southern Sudan
The target groups for the project are the livestock owners of Southern Sudan, Community-based Animal Health Workers (CAHWs), Animal Health Auxiliaries, (AHAs), public and private veterinarians, Southern Sudan State Ministries of Agriculture and Animal Resources and Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries (MARF) Directorate of Veterinary Services.
Consultancy summary
In the past three years the project had its focus on addressing the completion of rinderpest eradication pathway as recommended by the World Animal Health Organization (OIE), as well as strengthening the disease surveillance capacity of the government of South Sudan specifically targeting priority and emerging livestock diseases in South Sudan.
However East Coast Fever (ECF) which was traditionally confined to the Equatoria Region of South Sudan seems to have spilled over to the neighboring states of Jonglei and Lakes, and is already causing alarm with a considerable loss among the native naïve livestock population. Due to this threat the disease has become a top priority for the affected communities and the government.
Given the above, VSF-Belgium is seeking to engage one or more experts to map the distribution of ECF and its vector (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) in South Sudan and the extent of their spread into new ecological zones. The expert(s) will be encouraged to work with MARF expert(s) in order to facilitate training and capacity building of the Ministry staff.
They will be expected to compile baseline information on geographical distribution, seasonal occurrence, mortality and morbidity rates of ECF, including other important tick-borne diseases, and to describe any deviation in the distribution of the vector based on the previous and current distribution status.
This information will be used by GOSS MARF and the States to design an urgent intervention to contain the current outbreak of ECF and stop any further spread into other clean areas.
Location
Consultancy summary
In the past three years the project had its focus on addressing the completion of rinderpest eradication pathway as recommended by the World Animal Health Organization (OIE), as well as strengthening the disease surveillance capacity of the government of South Sudan specifically targeting priority and emerging livestock diseases in South Sudan.
However East Coast Fever (ECF) which was traditionally confined to the Equatoria Region of South Sudan seems to have spilled over to the neighboring states of Jonglei and Lakes, and is already causing alarm with a considerable loss among the native naïve livestock population. Due to this threat the disease has become a top priority for the affected communities and the government.
Given the above, VSF-Belgium is seeking to engage one or more experts to map the distribution of ECF and its vector (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) in South Sudan and the extent of their spread into new ecological zones. The expert(s) will be encouraged to work with MARF expert(s) in order to facilitate training and capacity building of the Ministry staff.
They will be expected to compile baseline information on geographical distribution, seasonal occurrence, mortality and morbidity rates of ECF, including other important tick-borne diseases, and to describe any deviation in the distribution of the vector based on the previous and current distribution status.
This information will be used by GOSS MARF and the States to design an urgent intervention to contain the current outbreak of ECF and stop any further spread into other clean areas.
Location
- The survey will cover 4 States of Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei and Lakes States
Objectives of the baseline survey;
- Map the geographical distribution of ECF and its vector Rhipicephalus appendiculatus in the target states
- Map the current inter and intra-state livestock migratory and trade routes, and identify the most critical pastoralists interaction points for the purpose of putting in place an agreed measure to limit the spread of ECF infection.
- Assess the socio-economic impact of the disease in the affected states
- Identify the other priority diseases including any other potential tick borne diseases in the affected areas.
- Provide recommendations for the best approach to control tick borne diseases in South Sudan in general with special focus on current ECF outbreak in Jonglei and Lakes states.
Execution
- The expert(s) will draft a detailed work plan for the survey within the first one (1) week of signing the contract
- A participatory approach will be expected with maximum stakeholder participation and appropriate involvement of MARF and project target groups at all stages. However information on T. Parva and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus needs to be confirmed through sample collection and laboratory analysis
- The whole mission is expected to be completed within 30 days (4 days desk work, 3 weeks field work, 3 days report writing, and 2 days validation workshop).
Deliverables
The expert(s) will be expected to submit a hard and soft copy of a detailed work plan within one (1) of signing the consultancy contract.
A detailed final report will be presented to the VSF-B Regional Director and LESP Subproject Coordinator entailing the findings and recommendation of the survey. The entire report will be presented in English and will remain the property of VSF-B. A hard copy and a soft copy must be submitted.
A draft report will be expected seven (7) days after the end of the mission and the final report is expected 5 days after VSF-B’s comments.
The contents of the report shall be as follows:
The expert(s) will be expected to submit a hard and soft copy of a detailed work plan within one (1) of signing the consultancy contract.
A detailed final report will be presented to the VSF-B Regional Director and LESP Subproject Coordinator entailing the findings and recommendation of the survey. The entire report will be presented in English and will remain the property of VSF-B. A hard copy and a soft copy must be submitted.
A draft report will be expected seven (7) days after the end of the mission and the final report is expected 5 days after VSF-B’s comments.
The contents of the report shall be as follows:
- Executive summary (covering major findings and recommendations).
- Background.
- Description of the objectives of the mission and execution methodology.
- Findings
- Problems encountered
- Recommendations;
- Annexes covering Terms of Reference, abbreviations, data collection formats and questionnaires used references, graphs, tables, etc.).
Responsibilities
The LESP Technical Advisor based in Juba, Southern Sudan will ensure the overall coordination of the mission in conjunction with the Project Coordinator (PC) also based in Juba. The expert(s) will be expected to work closely with MARF and relevant stakeholders.
The LESP Sub-Project Coordinator will have overall responsibility and accountability for the mission and will provide guidance through all stages of the studies.
The expert(s) will be part of the Project Management Unit which reports to the PC.
Qualifications
The expert(s) are expected to have the following attributes:
The LESP Technical Advisor based in Juba, Southern Sudan will ensure the overall coordination of the mission in conjunction with the Project Coordinator (PC) also based in Juba. The expert(s) will be expected to work closely with MARF and relevant stakeholders.
The LESP Sub-Project Coordinator will have overall responsibility and accountability for the mission and will provide guidance through all stages of the studies.
The expert(s) will be part of the Project Management Unit which reports to the PC.
Qualifications
The expert(s) are expected to have the following attributes:
- Livestock expert with at least seven years experience in Tick Borne Diseases (TBD)
- Experience in carrying out similar surveys, using participatory methodologies and a proven track record of excellent results delivery.
- Experience with social analysis of development in a rural and post-conflict environment.
- Excellent report writing skills.
- Working experience in Southern Sudan is desirable.
Interested consultants should prepare and submit to VSF-B both technical and financial proposal for the assignment by 13th July 2010.
They should indicate their qualifications and experience with a detailed execution plan.
The proposals, CV and letter of motivation as well as three (3) referees should be send electronically to recruitment@vsfb.or.ke
