Introduction
Antimicrobials play an indispensable role in the treatment, prevention and control of a wide range of infectious diseases. And are a limited resource shared by humans for benefit of humans, animals, and plants. Overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in all sectors are major factors for the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) microorganisms.
In African AMR is a well-documented problem for big “3” i.e. TB, malaria, and HIV. In the animal production sector, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, quinolones and penicillins which are commonly used in farm animals as antibiotic growth promoters are also the ones with highest resistance rates. Between 2000 and 2018, the proportion of drugs to which bacteria have become resistant almost tripled in chickens and pigs, and doubled in cattle (Van Boeckel, et al.2019). Resistance has also been observed for streptomycin, tetracycline and triazole fungicide in crop production (FAO, 2018).
There is global recognition that AMR presents an urgent threat to health, security, and economic growth. The health and economic costs of AMR are significant and further compounded by a growing global population with rising food demands. Globally, drug resistance causes an estimated 700,000 human deaths each year, and, if current trends continue, AMR could result in over 10 million deaths per year and over 100 trillion USD in lost output globally by 2050. Economic analyses indicate that AMR control interventions, ultimately, save money, because of the return on investment from averting and curing infections.
In recognition of the threat of AMR and the need to take action, the 33rd Ordinary Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government held on 14th February 2020 endorsed the African Common Position on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and the African Union Framework for AMR control. The African Common Position on AMR calls on African Union Member States, regional economic communities and the African Union Commission to develop policies and programmes to improve monitoring, delay emergence, limit transmission, and mitigate harm from antimicrobial resistant organisms. The AU Framework for AMR control focuses on actions that AU Agencies will perform with close consultation with RECs and Member States and in partnership with WHO, FAO, OIE, other UN agencies, and all other implementing agencies to improve governance, build capacity, and enhance knowledge and awareness to enable the long term control of AMR.
AU-IBAR is seeking the services of a national consultant to undertake antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use (AMU) situational analysis in Somalia. The outcome of this work will form the basis for a national AMR Policy and action plan.
Objective of the Call for Proposal
The objective of this “Call for Proposal” is to identify national consultant to conduct a situational analysis on AMR and AMU in Somalia. This study will contribute to building national capacity to prevent and combat AMR in Somalia. The successful candidate will work with all relevant Government Authorities and Stakeholders across Somalia to implement the consultancy assignment.
Scope of Work
A situational analysis was conducted using multiple data collection methods. The analysis will be carried out in the context of policy, legal and institutional environment of antibiotic use and resistance in Somalia across the fields of public health, agriculture (animals, plants, food safety) and the environment. The work will cover policies, strategies and guidelines; administrative and management arrangements; legislative frameworks and regulatory environment; and national structures relevant to antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance. The analysis will further capture extent of the problem of AMR in all sectors; factors contributing to abuse and irrational use of antimicrobials; challenges in solving the problem of antimicrobial resistance and any AMR-related issue.
Selection Criteria
Selection of applications will be based on the following criteria:
- Must be a Somali National,
- Advanced University Degree in Public Health, Veterinary Medicine, Epidemiology, Pharmacy, Microbiology or fields relevant to the subject of antimicrobial resistance,
- At least 7 years’ experience working in the field of antimicrobial resistance/antimicrobial use,
- At least 7 years’ working experience in the policy and regulatory environment in Somalia, with demonstrated knowledge of the multidisciplinary field of antimicrobial resistance,
- Experience in undertaking similar or related assignment.
Duration of Consultancy
The situational analysis will be conducted in 30 days spread over a period of 60 days beginning from October 2020. The maximum budget for this consultancy is USD 9000.
Submission Deadline
3rd October 2020
How to apply:
Submission of Proposals (applications)
Interested Somali Nationals should submit applications including CV, demonstration of nationality, technical proposal on how the work will be carried out and a financial proposal to:
The Director
African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources
Kenindia Business Park, Museum Hill, Westlands Road
P.O. Box 30786 00100,
Nairobi, Kenya
Soft copies of applications should be sent to procurement@au-ibar.org with copies to khalid.seid@au-ibar.org. Applications sent by any other means (e.g. by fax or normal/registered mail) or delivered to other addresses will be rejected. The application must bear the reference number and the title “Expression of Interest – National Consultant to Undertake a Situational Analysis of Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in Somalia”,