Introduction

The Fleming Fund (FF) is a U.K. Department of Health and Social Care programme to help low and middle-income countries fight Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR poses a severe global threat, expected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050. With potential costs reaching $100 trillion, its impact on the global economy is significant. Fleming Fund Grants aim to tackle the AMR challenge in developing countries including Pakistan. The grants are funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care and managed by Mott MacDonald for the country, regional and fellowship grants. Pakistan has received Fleming Fund support since 2019 in the form of two Country Grants, 9 Fellowships, and central and local procurement of equipment, reagents, and consumables. Between 2017 and the end of phase-1 of the program in March 2023, the program has provided financial support to grantees to establish and support local development of national AMR surveillance systems.

In partnership with the Fleming Fund, DAI's programme in Pakistan collaborates with the Pakistani government to strengthen systems using a “One Health” (OH) approach – a multisectoral approach to complex health problems that reaches across human health, animal health, and environment sectors. As global leaders in One Health, the DAI team helps incorporate One Health across programme interventions. DAI is helping Pakistan become a leader in combating antimicrobial resistance, and a model for better management of antimicrobials in human and animal populations. DAI and its consortium partners have successfully secured an additional round, Phase 2, of the Fleming Fund Country Grant in Pakistan which spans from January 2024 to December 2025. The Phase 2 of the FFCG programme focuses on achieving four intermediate outcomes: 1) Production of quality AMR/U/C and burden of disease data; 2) Conducting quality data analysis; 3) Sharing quality data analysis with decision-makers; and 4) Contributing to sustainable investments at both the country and global levels to counter AMR.

Position Summary

The purpose of the consultancy is to develop a sustainable and integrated approach to AMU surveillance that contributes to reducing AMR and improving public health outcomes nationally. This will be done through developing a comprehensive framework and operational plan aimed at monitoring and managing antimicrobial use across healthcare settings within the country.

Specific objective of Consultancy

1. Conduct a thorough review of existing national and international AMU surveillance strategies and best practices.
2. Analyze data gaps and challenges specific to AMU surveillance within the country.
3. Engage with key stakeholders including healthcare professionals, policymakers, NIH, and TWG on National Action Plan to gather inputs and ensure buy-in.
4. Develop a detailed framework for AMU data collection, analysis, and reporting, considering different healthcare settings
5. Propose mechanisms for integrating AMU surveillance data with existing AMR surveillance systems.
6. Outline strategies for capacity building and training of healthcare personnel involved in AMU surveillance.

Scope of work

• Assessing Current Practices: Conducting a thorough review and assessment of current practices, infrastructure and mechanisms of antimicrobial use surveillance across healthcare settings and systems.
• Setting Objectives and Goals: Establishing clear objectives and goals for AMU surveillance strategy that align with national and international AMR reduction targets, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in addressing local challenges.
• Developing Methodologies: Designing robust methodologies for data collection, analysis, and reporting of AMU data, considering the diversity of healthcare settings and practices.
• Building Capacity: Proposing strategies for capacity building and training of healthcare professionals involved in AMU surveillance to ensure accurate data collection and reporting.
• Promoting Collaboration: Establishing mechanisms of collaboration among key stakeholders including healthcare providers, policymakers, and relevant ministries to ensure buy-in and implementation of the surveillance strategy.
• Enhancing Decision-Making: Providing actionable recommendations and guidelines for integrating AMU surveillance data into national Action Plan, AMR strategies and policies, thereby enhancing evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation.

Deliverables

1. A detailed National AMU Surveillance Strategy document outlining goals, objectives, methodologies, and timelines.
2. Recommendations for the establishment of a national AMU surveillance network, including infrastructure and resource requirements.
3. Training needs and guidelines for healthcare professionals involved in data collection and reporting.
4. Presentation materials for stakeholders to facilitate understanding and endorsement of the strategy.

Requirements (Education, Experience, Skills, Languages etc.)

● Health professional with Post-graduation in Health Policy or Public Health, preferably a PhD in the subject
● At least 15 years of experience working with national and/or provincial health departments in the policy development and implementation capacity
● Good understanding and practical experience of surveillance systems and mechanisms preferably those related to AMR and AMU
● Ability to coordinate with the key stakeholders
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills - Excellent knowledge of English is required
● Excellent analytical and strategic planning skills
● Previous experience working with data, information, and/or knowledge management systems.