LOT QUALITY ASSURANCE SAMPLING SIAs Consultant At World Health Organization

Background

Uganda like many other countries in the African region has been participating in the polio endgame plan activities aimed at eradicating the Wild Poliovirus (WPV) by 2021. Despite the non-detection of WPV in Uganda since 2010, the country detected circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) in June 2021. And there is still a risk of importation of wild poliovirus (WPV) due to the following:

In 2014, confirmed VDPV in Bugisu, Mbale and Kabale regions an indication of low routine immunization coverage

Uganda has had confirmed polio compatible case in the last two years

Currently hosting refugees (West Nile, Hoima, Kabarole, Karamoja, KCCA, Wakiso districts)

More districts with sub-optimal performance in surveillance (<80% of districts with a rate of <2/100,000)

The Ministry of Health (MoH) with the support from stakeholders has therefore made plans to conduct a Nationwide Polio Campaign in November/December 2021 to respond to the confirmed cVDPV.

High-quality campaigns are critical for the effective control of target diseases. In this regard, support is needed in the monitoring and evaluation of the upcoming SIAs. In this regard, support is needed in the monitoring and evaluation of the upcoming SIAs using the Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) to supplement the independent monitoring process. LQAS will be conducted in selected high-risk districts (77 lots) for polio transmission to evaluate SIA coverage in the district and judge whether the coverage is acceptable or unacceptable.

LQAS is a rapid survey method used to assess the quality of vaccination coverage following SIAs in the predefined areas such as a district (known as a Lot). LQAS technique is used to determine whether a group of individuals has achieved a particular standard of performance by looking at a sample (a lot) of that group. It helps to evaluate performance (e.g. SIAs coverage) and judge whether that performance is acceptable or unacceptable. LQAS classifies the areas of interest (lots) as acceptable or unacceptable levels of vaccine coverage.

A lot is a homogeneous population living in a defined geographic area to evaluate an indicator of interest. In the case of vaccination coverage: a lot would be the geographic level at which the campaign is coordinated (if a lot is rejected, actions can only be taken at the lot level – not lower).

Justification

LQAS surveys provide a deeper analysis of the quality of SIAs and determine whether the coverage is acceptable or unacceptable. This will provide evidence-based information that will be used to implement corrective actions in districts with unacceptable oral polio vaccine coverage.

Specific objectives

To use LQAS technique to evaluate the coverage of OPV following polio house-to-house SIAs in high-risk districts to determine whether the coverage is acceptable or unacceptable
To provide evidence-based information that will be used to implement corrective actions in districts with unacceptable oral polio vaccine coverage

An APW holder with support from WHO Country Office will oversee this activity. This exercise will be done in selected high-risk districts.

Expected outputs

The overall expected output is to assess the quality of the polio immunization campaign and verification of administrative coverage to provide strategic direction to mop up teams in the districts.

Terms of Reference

Under the overall supervision of the WHO/EPI Team, WHO Data manager and with guidance and consultation with the UNEPI Programme Manager, the LQAS Consultant will undertake the following tasks;

Support the review and finalization of the training materials and data collection tools for the LQAS
Identify surveyors (new} required to undertake this activity
Identify supervisors at least one supervisor per two surveyors
Should ensure that all information required to pay the surveyors and supervisors is provided to WCO a week before field deployment
Undertake training of surveyors and supervisors in theoretical concepts of LQAS, as well as a field pre-test
Using stratified random sampling, select six clusters (villages} per district, in which the survey teams will conduct the exercise according to WHO guidelines, as discussed during the training workshop. This should be done in close consultation and collaboration with the WHO data manager
To ensure that the survey teams are fully familiar with their tasks and troubleshoot any problems that may arise in the execution of their duties
Each member of the survey team has the necessary materials for their daily activities
Coordinate and follow up surveyors and supervisors during the fieldwork
Data collection is done according to the stated instructions, using data tools provided
Ensure the welfare and security of the LQAS survey team members
Provide regular updates to the national level
Facilitate implementation of the feedback meeting
Support the process of data entry, management and analysis
To ensure that a final report in accordance with the WHO guidelines is compiled and shared time with all stakeholders through WCO. The report (narrative and excel format} should be shared with WCO within 7 days of completion of the feedback meeting
Ensure that all financial reports are submitted, reviewed and clear d by the WCO

Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree or higher in any of the following areas: Epidemiology, Statistics, Public health

Documented experience in conducting LQAS processes preferably polio LQAS, with at least 5 or more years of experience (from 2013 to date)

Methods

Consultations with WHO EPI Team, WHO data manager, UNEPI, WHO and UNICEF and other partners.
Meetings and communication with central supervisors and surveyors.
Communication with the District Health Officers

Expected outputs