Consultancy VAS Technical Advisor

• Country: Rwanda
• Summary: Consultancy VAS Technical Advisor
• RWT Ref No: 59552230
• Deadline: 12 Nov 2021
• Financier: Self Financed
• Purchaser Ownership: Government
• Tender Value: Refer Document
• Notice Type: Tender
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• Description:
• Tenders are invited for Consultancy VAS Technical Advisor for Rwanda. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains a widespread public health problem in much of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia [1], despite changes in under-5 mortality rates and morbidity patterns, and innovative intervention options. Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) is a life-saving intervention that is vital to reduce the risk of child mortality, morbidity, and malnutrition in countries with high levels of VAD [2]. The abundant evidence supporting the positive effect of VAS on child survival was translated into international guidelines, the most recent of which was released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in August 2011 [6]. VAS is considered one of the most successful public health interventions given its impact on child survival, the ease with which it is integrated into primary health care programs, and the ability for it to have high, sustained and equitable coverage in different contexts. The spread of COVID-19, an unprecedented health emergency, triggered an economic crisis touching nearly every corner of the world. Global economic shutdowns and disrupted supply chains devastated livelihoods and incomes, and reduced purchasing power further limited access to nutritious food for millions of the world-s most vulnerable people. Governments have been forced to divert limited health and nutrition resources to treating immediate medical needs, to the detriment of essential care. Combined, these factors are ushering in a malnutrition crisis which threatens to undo a decade of progress. To avoid further spread of COVID-19, national governments and partners mounted comprehensive responses to the pandemic, including modifications and restrictions to activities and movement. These measures have serious implications for public health and nutrition interventions and essential health and nutrition services, including VAS. Delivery of VAS relies on mass campaigns and/or delivery through routine health systems in facilities and the community, bringing caregivers and children together from across the region. However, due to COVID-19 mitigation measures including physical distancing, movement restrictions and the prohibition of large group gatherings, many countries have had to postpone VAS campaigns, leaving children unprotected from preventable illness and death. It is estimated that roughly 100 million children missed their first round of VAS in 2020 due to COVID-19, with millions more at risk of missing their second. Gaps in VAS coverage, when combined with other missed child survival interventions - such as vaccinations for measles - heighten the risk of severe spikes in child mortality. Decreased VAS coverage due to the COVID-19 pandemic also threatens to reverse years of efforts by countries to improve the delivery of VAS and promote equity in VAS coverage. To avoid this, NI is implementing the “Savings Lives Through Vitamin A” program to help countries “catch-up” on missed VAS coverage due to COVID-19. This program will deliver emergency vitamin A catch-up campaigns, co-packaging with other essential child survival services, to limit missed opportunities and deliver the maximum impact at the lowest cost for those most in need. T +1 613.782.6800 F +1 613.782.6838 180 Elgin Street, Suite 1000, Ottawa, ON | Canada, K2P 2K3
• Documents:

 Tender Notice