Stop Transmission Of Measles in the Philippines (STOMP) Consultantsnew

Overview

Despite ongoing efforts to improve routine immunization in the Philippines, immunity gaps remain in some geographic areas and population groups, increasing the risk of outbreaks of measles, rubella, polio, and other vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Recent polio (2019-2020) and measles (2023-2024) outbreaks and the country’s goals of maintaining polio eradication and achieving measles and rubella elimination have highlighted challenges in surveillance performance, data use for decision-making, outbreak preparedness, and implementation of timely response measures at subnational levels. In addition, varying levels of surveillance and immunization capacity across regions and local government units (LGU) underscore the need for targeted technical support to strengthen VPD prevention and control efforts.

 

To address these challenges, the CDC Gabay Bakuna Initiative supports the Department of Health (DOH) in strengthening surveillance for VPDs and enhancing VPD outbreak detection, investigation and response to help maintain polio eradication status and accelerate progress towards measles and rubella elimination in the Philippines. Targeted efforts will be made to improve the sensitivity and quality of VPD surveillance, and regular data use by LGU personnel for data-driven program planning, and to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response.

In close collaboration with government counterparts at all levels, CDC-Gabay Bakuna seeks to recruit and deploy a group of Short-Term Consultants to strategic areas to help intensify VPD surveillance and outbreak management activities with focus on measles, rubella, and polio. By augmenting existing public health workforce capacity and providing direct technical assistance to subnational health authorities, the STOMP consultants will support measles, rubella, and polio surveillance activities (case detection, investigation and classification), outbreak detection, investigation and response, and regular data use for action. The consultant will also contribute to broader VPD surveillance and immunization strengthening efforts as feasible and agreed upon among the key stakeholders.

Each consultancy will be spread across 3 months and maybe renewed based on performance and local context.

Given the recently launched health workforce expansion plan by the Philippines Department of Health, the deployment of STOMP consultants is intended to be time-limited and determined in close consultation with DOH and LGUs.

Responsibilities

The Short-Term Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Surveillance strengthening for measles, rubella and polio

      a. Support health facilities and surveillance units in the timely detection, notification, investigation (including laboratory investigation), and classification of suspected VPD cases and              health events in accordance with national guidelines.

             i. Conduct or support active case searches and record reviews for measles, rubella, and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), and other priority VPDs* in operational-level health facilities 

                (e.g., level 1 and level 2 hospitals) and communities to identify unreported or missed cases.

            ii. Work closely with surveillance and laboratory teams to advance investigation, interpret findings, and confirm final case classifications.

                [*To be discussed and agreed upon among CDC, EB and LGU]

 

2. Outbreak investigation and response

        a. Support regular review and analysis of surveillance data and performance indicators for measles, rubella, and AFP/polio to identify suspected outbreaks in a timely manner, detect

           surveillance gaps, and recommend corrective actions.

            i.  Support data analysis, facilitate local surveillance and immunization data review meetings, and provide regular feedback to government counterparts to proactively manage                        suspected outbreaks, close surveillance gaps, and promote data use for decision-making

            ii. Support outbreak risk assessment exercises

        b. Support field investigations of suspected or confirmed VPD outbreaks, including case findings, epidemiologic and laboratory investigation, contact tracing, and case classification.

            i. Conduct characterization of suspected VPD outbreaks through profiling of confirmed cases, transmission patterns, and vaccination history of cases

            ii. Support outbreak response activities (incident management, infection prevention and control, risk communication, outbreak response immunization, etc.)

        c. Provide technical support for planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of outbreak response activities

        d. Support the development of outbreak investigation reports, situation updates, and technical recommendations for government and partner organizations.

 

3. Workforce capacity building

        a. Provide training or mentoring to surveillance, immunization, and response personnel in the areas of assignment.

          b.  Support the planning, facilitation, and monitoring of training, supervision, and other workforce development activities related to VPD surveillance and outbreak response.

          c.  Assist in the development and adaptation of SOPs, guidelines, job aids, and other technical resources.

          d. Conduct or support supportive supervision visits to health facilities and local health offices to strengthen implementation of VPD surveillance, immunization, and outbreak response activities.

 

Required Qualifications

Minimal Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public health, epidemiology, medicine, nursing, medical technology, or another relevant health-related field required.
• Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health management, public administration, development management, or a related field is preferred.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public health surveillance, outbreak investigation and response, immunization programs, or other relevant public health activities.
• Demonstrated experience in the analysis and interpretation of public health data and the preparation of technical reports and recommendations.
• Experience supporting surveillance systems, vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) programs, outbreak response, or immunization activities is highly desirable.
• Experience working with the Department of Health and/or local government units is an advantage.

. Skills and Competencies

• Strong skills in disease surveillance, epidemiologic analysis and interpretation of surveillance and immunization data
• Experience in outbreak investigation, and response
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical reports and briefs
• Ability to facilitate meetings, trainings, and data review sessions with multiple stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively with government counterparts and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to adapt to changing and highly demanding environments
• Ability to work independently in field settings