Expression of Interest

Expression of Interest – Assisting the MOH with the firstTrachoma MDA in select Health Zones in DRCBackground

ENVISION is a seven-year program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that aims to provide assistance to national programs to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).  The program supports the control and elimination of seven targeted NTDs, specifically lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis (Oncho), schistosomiasis (SCH), three types of soil-transmitted helminths (roundworm, hookworm, whipworm) (STH), and trachoma.  ENVISION aims to contribute towards the global goal of reducing the harmful effects of targeted NTDs so that they are no longer considered a public health problem.

In order to achieve this objective, ENVISION focuses on reaching the following intermediate results:
RI1: Increased MDA coverage among at-risk populations in endemic communities
RI2: Improved evidence base for action to control and eliminate targeted NTDs
RI3: Strengthened environment for implementation of national integrated NTD control and elimination programs

ENVISION is implemented by RTI International in partnership with CBM International, The Carter Center, Fred Hollows Foundation, Helen Keller International, IMA World Health, Light for the World, Tulane University, Sightsavers International, and World Vision.  ENVISION’s implementation period lasts from September 30, 2011 to September 29, 2019.

ENVISION has been working with the Ministry of Health (MOH) since 2013, conducting mass drug administration (MDA) for LF, Oncho, SCH and STH in select health zones, finalizing the mapping of Trachoma throughout the country, and is now working to implement the first Trachoma MDA.

Anticipated Activities

The following activities are anticipated to be conducted during the period of performance by the intermediary organization(s):

• Participate in training funded by ENVISION on grants management;
• Work with the MOH to develop one (1) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) per health zone describing the planned activities and trainings; 
• Collect performance reports for completed Trachoma mass drug administration (MDA) activities, in consultation with RTI and respective MOH, and submit to ENVISION for reimbursement;
• Visit health zones to support and monitor the implementation of Trachoma MDA activities and provide financial oversight;
• Work closely with health zone Trachoma focal person, MOH, and ENVISION to establish and maintain smooth communications and provide routine updates throughout the period of Trachoma MDA implementation.

Timeline
ENVISION is planning to issue one (1) Fixed Obligation Grant (FOG) per health zone targeted for Trachoma MDA. The FOG will begin mid-February and will run through April 2016.

Contact
Interested local organizations should send an email expression of interest to melie@rti.org statingtheir official organization name and contact person to receive the full RFA by February 20th, 2016.