1. INTRODUCTION
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as the leading cause of death globally. Of 56.9 million global deaths in 2016, 40.5 million, or 71%, were due to NCDs. The four main NCDs are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic lung diseases. The burden of these diseases is rising disproportionately among lower income countries and populations. In 2016, over three quarters of NCD deaths — 31.5 million — occurred in low- and middle-income countries with about 46% of deaths occurring before the age of 70 in these countries.
In recognition of the global challenge from NCDs, the World Health Organization initiated a call to action in responding to NCDs with the passing of a resolution at the 53rd World Health Assembly in 2000 and the publication of a policy document on a Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. This has been followed by a number of global and regional initiatives and publications culminating with the holding of a United Nations High Level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases in September 2011, with the leadership of the Caribbean countries and the acceptance of a political declaration calling on Heads of Government to reduce risk factors for NCDs and create health promoting environments, strengthen national policies and health systems, facilitate international cooperation, research and development, and monitoring and evaluation of NCDs.
Over the past twenty (25) years NCDs have been a major cause of mortality, morbidity and economic burden in the Caribbean and Jamaica, accounting for over 56% of deaths annually. In 2017, the top 5 causes of death in Jamaica were stroke, diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and inter-personal violence. Nine of the top 10 causes of death were from NCDs. Premature mortality was due to stroke, diabetes, interpersonal violence, neonatal disorders and ischemic heart disease. Combining death and disability together, the top 5 risk factors contributing to DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years) were high plasma glucose, obesity, dietary risks, high blood pressure and tobacco use.
In 2007 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, the CARICOM Heads of Government signed a 14-point declaration: Uniting to stop the epidemic of chronic NCDs. The National Commission on Non-communicable Diseases is established by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in keeping with this Declaration.
The purpose of this Commission is to provide the overall strategic direction, leadership, expertise and guidance to the Ministry of Health and Wellness and all other stakeholders on matters related to the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Jamaica. The membership of the National Commission on NCDs will comprise of a multisectorial team of twenty-five (25) persons; in addition to the Commission, nine (9) standing subcommittees will support the Commission’s work. In order to achieve the goals and objectives of the Commission, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is required to provide technical and administrative support for the Commission and its subcommittees.
OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY
To provide technical support to the National Commission on Non-communicable Diseases
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY
- Commission’s workplan developed and implemented
- Commission’s technical materials prepared within the agreed timeframe
- Commission’s reports prepared and submitted within the agreed timeframe
- Non-communicable Diseases Knowledge Repository developed and maintained
2. SCOPE OF WORK
METHODOLOGY
The consultant is expected to attend all meetings of the Commission and subcommittees, ensure workplans are developed and actioned after each meeting; conduct ongoing review of relevant literature, synthesize informational briefs, and create a NCD knowledge repository.
SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES
Specific tasks of the consultancy are as follows:
- Conduct ongoing literature review and prepare informational briefs to support the work of the Commission and its nine subcommittees
- Coordinate in the development of the Commission’s workplan and those of the nine subcommittees
- Assist in the implementation of the Commission’s work plan and those of the nine subcommittees
- Keep abreast of regional and international NCDs status and trends and advise the Chair of the Commission and the Chairs/Co-chairs of the nine subcommittees
- Develop and maintain a repository of NCDs and Injuries research materials
- Coordinate internal and external meetings relating to the Commission in collaboration with the Administrative Officer, National Commission on Non-communicable Diseases
- Contribute to special surveys relating to NCD and Injuries
- Assist the Chair of the Commission in the preparation of routine, periodic, ad hoc and special reports and presentations relating to the work of the Commission
- Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Chair of the Commission or the Director, Non-Communicable Diseases and Injuries Prevention Unit
3. DELIVERABLES
| Deliverable | Due Date | Budget (%) | Review Period | Payment Schedule |
| Workplan with methodology for project execution | 2 weeks after contract signing | 4% | 5 days | 4 weeks after approval |
| Monthly report #1 | 4 weeks after contract signing | 6% | 5 days | 4 weeks after approval |
| Monthly reports #2 to #11 to include an analysis against the approved workplan | 4 weeks after the previous monthly report | 8% per month | 5 days | 4 weeks after approval |
| Final report to include an analysis against the approved workplan | Final working day of the contract period | 10% | 5 days | 4 weeks after approval |
4. TIMELINE OF THE CONSULTANCY
January 2021 – December 2021
5. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The consultant reports directly to the Chair, National Commission on Non-communicable Diseases and administratively to the Director, Non-Communicable Diseases and Injuries Prevention Unit.
6. FUNDING OF THE CONSULTANCY
The Ministry of Health and Wellness will fund the consultancy
7. SPECIFIC INPUTS TO BE PROVIDED BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS (MOHW)
The MOHW through the NCD Unit, HPPB will provide the equipment to perform the specified activities.
8. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- BSc. in Behaviour Sciences, Health Related Science or equivalent
- Masters Degree in Epidemiology, Public Health or equivalent
- Five (5) years work experience in the health field
- Two (2) years work experience in health research, surveillance or monitoring and evaluation
9. EVALUATION CRITERIA
| Maximum Score | |
| Qualifications
· B.Sc. in Behaviour Sciences, Health Related Science or equivalent (10) AND · Masters Degree in Epidemiology, Public Health or equivalent (30) |
40 |
| Experience
Work experience in the health field · Less than 5 years (5) · At least 5 years (15) AND Work experience in health research, surveillance or monitoring and evaluation · Less than 2 years (5) · At least 2 years (15) |
30 |
| Financial Proposal | 30 |
10. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Consultant will spend most of his/her time working with the Chair of the Commission and the Subcommittee members. Office space will be provided as necessary. The Consultant works at his/her own pace but must meet the established deadlines. All expenses should be stated in the budget as the total in the proposal is the final amount to be paid. All resources and documentation produced from this activity are owned by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and shall not be accessed, shared or published without the permission of the Ministry of Health and Wellness.