Strengthening the Laboratory Framework and Systems in Nauru through the Development of a National Laboratory Policy and National Laboratory Strategic Plan

The WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) in Australia from Australia region had released this tender for Request for proposals are invited for Strengthening the Laboratory Framework and Systems in Nauru through the Development of a National Laboratory Policy and National Laboratory Strategic Plan Strengthening Laboratory Services in Nauru Deadline: 31-Mar-2023 12:00 (GMT 12.00) Auckland, Wellington, Fiji, Kamchatka The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking offers for strengthening the laboratory framework and systems in Nauru through the development of a National Laboratory Policy and National Laboratory Strategic Plan BACKGROUND Laboratory services are an essential and fundamental part of the health care system, by providing evidence-based diagnosis for the detection, management, and prevention of diseases. Reliable and timely results are critical for clinical management and are essential for the surveillance and control of public health diseases and emerging infections. In addition to COVID-19, Nauru remains vulnerable to CD outbreaks and other environmental health threats and has experienced outbreaks of dengue (most recent in 2017) and diarrhoeal disease. Nauru was among the first of the South Pacific nations to record Zika virus seroconversion. Although, there has been some progress made on improving laboratory core capacities as part of the IHR (2005) and the APSED III, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted existing inequities and unmasked the fragility of systems on the Republic of Nauru (RON) Hospital Laboratory. A review, supported by WHO, undertaken in October 2022 focused on the capacity of the laboratory at RON Hospital and how it was supporting the national health response to COVID-19 and the crucial role of the laboratory services in responding to other public health threats in Nauru. The review, while recognising the significant role and ongoing work of the laboratory services in supporting the delivery of health care, identified a number of critical areas that need addressing to ensure that laboratory services in Nauru can be strengthened to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to detect, prepare for and respond to public health emergencies and provide ongoing support to meet the health care needs of the people of Nauru now and in the future REQUIREMENTS/WORK TO BE PERFORMED 1. To develop a National Laboratory Policy and National Laboratory Strategic Plan ( 5-year), including updating/developing a national list of essential in vitro diagnostics. • Provide the framework for the strengthened delivery of quality, sustainable and accessible laboratory diagnostics. Clearly outlines the structure and function of laboratory services and standards. • Review national standards for tests, techniques and/or equipment. Undertake feasibility (demand, cost, shelf-life, sensitivity) to expand in-country testing (integrate disease platforms). Update/develop Essential In-Vitro Diagnostic list to ensure the availability of tests for universal health coverage. • Conduct in-country workshop (include key stakeholders, partners etc.) Provide guidance for coordinated and directed partner/donor support and investments. (invite partners to participate in development). • Systematically outline objectives to be achieved, and strategies to be implemented, human resource development (quantity, positions, capacity building/upskilling), infrastructure, strengthening response for public health and diagnostic services (IHR 2005, STI, AMR), equipment (replacement, service, maintenance), procurement (reagents, consumables), inventory management, quality management), and adequate financial investment (budget). (include finance in development). • Develop a position paper including cost implications to strengthen Public Health POCT that addresses public health emergencies and disease outbreaks including AMR. Support the pilot for decentralizing (selection of; HIV, CD4, HBsAg, HCV, Syphilis, Dengue, Chikungunya, Influenza etc.) POC testing (Xpert HPV, Xpert CHL/GN) within Public Health. 2. Strengthen Laboratory Quality Management System, support the review and development of SOPs and guidelines for laboratory services in Nauru. • Review and revise Quality Management System and documentation. • Propose strategies for strengthening management systems, such as Quality, Inventory, Data, Systems and documentation i.e. SOPs, exploring options across Western Pacific enabling laboratory networking. • Provide advice on how to establish a sustainable, fit-for-purpose, user-friendly LIMS and ensure interface capabilities with HIS (Tamanu) and automated laboratory equipment. • Provide advice and guidance in establishing service contracts and ensure sustainability (Roche, GeneXpert, BioMérieux etc.) and strengthening in-country capacity building of biomedical engineer. Include upskilling of laboratory personnel on equipment troubleshooting and basic maintenance. Implement an equipment maintenance schedule. • Support the pilot for expanding molecular diagnostic capacity to include STIs (Chlamydia/ Gonorrhoea PCR, HPV PCR) and Respiratory panels, transition from SARS-CoV-2 only to multiplex (SARS-CoV-2, Flu, RSV) as routine testing. CHARACTERISTICS OF CONTRACTOR The successful bidder is expected to demonstrate experience and list relevant projects as follows: Mandatory experience: • Advanced University degree (Master’s level or above) in laboratory science, health sciences, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience Desirable experience: • Master’s level degree in public health or health related field SUBMISSIONS Qualified and interested specialists should submit the following documents to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 31 March 2023 • Company Profile {for institutional applications} • Technical proposal indicating methodology and timelines, in addition to the below annexes Annex 2: Confidentiality Undertaking Annex 3: Vendor Information Form • Financial proposal Please use Tender Notice No. WPRO/2023-03/PIC_NRU/195231 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Last day of receiving queries for this tender is on 27 March 2023 with tender notice no. WPRO/2023-03/PIC_NRU/195231 published on 22 Mar 2023. The tender expired on 31 Mar 2023. This tender is sourced from Official Website and is eligible for suppliers interested in IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support. Interested bidders can obtain further information including complete bid documents or ways to participate by registering on Tender Impulse and referencing via Tender Impulse ID 2932443.