Maternal and neonatal mortality are of global, regional and national concern. Suriname is amongst the five countries in the Caribbean region with the highest maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
The Maternal and Newborn Health situation in the country is negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, since the diagnosis of the first case in March 2020. This has affected the health and economic sectors as well as the social and mental wellbeing of all citizens. The situation is aggravated by the financial crisis of the country. Maintenance of the essential health services, including MNH, is at risk. This led not only to a decrease in access to and utilization of services, but also the quality of care provided due to limited availability of medicines, equipment and human resources.
A national Maternal and Newborn Health Strategy (2021-2025) and Operational Plan (2021-2023) were recently developed, based on a situation analysis, a desk review and consultation of various stakeholders. The strategy is based on a human rights approach and includes health promotion and community health interventions, and aligns to and builds upon existing global, regional and national commitments.
It is recognized that the technical capacity of the BOG needs strengthening to be able to implement the strategy and operational plan.
A consultant will be hired to systematically initiate the implementation of the Maternal and Newborn Health Strategy 2021-2025 and the Operational Plan 2021-2023.
The purpose of this consultancy is to provide relevant and adequate support to the FCH unit of the Bureau of Public Health, Ministry of Health, in structuring the MNH program to effectively coordinate and monitor implementation of the MNH Strategy and its Operational plan.
Scope of Work
The following tasks should be completed:
a. Promotion and dissemination of the MNH Strategy and Operational Plan to all relevant stakeholders
b. Development of a priority annual plan, 2021-2022, based on identified strategic priorities by relevant stakeholders
c. Establishment of a structure for regular communication between FCH unit and the MNH Steering Committee
d. Development of a (standardize) annual reporting system for monitoring purposes, guided by the M&E framework
e. Training of selected staff of FCH unit/BOG in several aspects of Monitoring and Evaluation of the MNH Strategy and Operational Plan
f. Coordinate with other sectors to enhance integrated responses addressing priority issues concerning MNH.
Timeline
The contractual period will be 3,5 months and the type of contract will be lumpsum payments based on completion of the deliverables.
Are you interested?
- To read more about the full Scope of Work and Required Competencies for Consultants, please click for the Terms of Reference:
- To apply, please submit both a cover letter describing your experience working in related areas and your most recent CV SURPWR@paho.org
- Deadline for submissions: 6 August 2021.