RFI-440-16-One Health and GHSA

Implementation of One Health and Global Health Security Agenda in Viet Nam Reference Number : RFI-440-16-One Health and GHSA Release Date : November 9, 2015 Response Due Date : November 30, 2015, 17:00 PM, Hanoi time I. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION This Request for Information (RFI) is a preliminary call for expressions of interest for management and implementation support in advancing the One Health approach to emerging and serious infectious diseases in Viet Nam, and to contribute in supporting Viet Nam's commitments to the Global Health Security Agenda. Interested parties should provide a short (1 - 2 pages) expression of interest, addressing the issues and questions discussed below, and offering initial ideas (not in detail) for activities and interventions. The project is expected to extend from July 1, 2016 over a 4-year period, with initial funding of about US$ 700,000 for the first 2 years, subject to performance and the availability of funds. II. BACKGROUND Viet Nam has been identified as one of five global "hot spots" with a significantly heightened risk for the emergence of new infectious disease pathogens, including those that may arise from livestock, wild animals, or the environment. With the recognition of these threats over the past decade, two national steering committees have brought together key ministries and official organizations to respond to emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals: the National Steering Committee for Avian Influenza Disease Control and Prevention (NSCAI), chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the National Steering Committee for Human Influenza Pandemic Prevention and Control (NSCHP), chaired by the Minister of Health (MOH). The Partnership for Animal and Human Influenza (PAHI) was established in 2006 to support coordination of national and international efforts in Viet Nam for influenza and other emerging and serious infectious diseases arising at the animal-human-environment interface. Viet Nam has shown a strong commitment to the One Health approach. By 2015 efforts were underway to broaden the set of partners involved in One Health, and to design a new inter-ministerial coordination mechanism. With support from USAID through - Strengthening Capacity for the Implementation of One Health in Viet Nam" implemented by UNDP, the draft design for a revised national One Health coordination mechanism has been developed, and the scope and membership of the Partnership on Avian and Human Influenza (PAHI) have been revised. PAHI is being re-established in late 2015 as the One Health Partnership for Zoonoses. Furthermore, Viet Nam accepted a leading role in 2014 in the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), especially in its Zoonotic Disease Action Package (ZDAP). Rationale for the Proposed Project: In addition to its commitment to One Health, Viet Nam has taken an important international role in the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA). Coordination and oversight mechanisms are under development, to build capacity for joint activities across sectors, including the effective implementation of the joint Circular 16, and the successor to the 5-year National Integrated Operational Program on Avian Influenza, Pandemic Preparedness and Emerging Infectious Diseases (AIPED). However, follow up activities with policy makers and relevant stakeholders are needed for a stronger and more sustainable impact of the implementation of One Health approach. In addition, the implementation of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) in Viet Nam, which closely links with and complements USAID's Emerging Pandemic Threats Program (EPT), has introduced many new expectations for joint planning and reporting among EPT-2 partners, U.S. Government agencies, and Government of Viet Nam (GVN) counterparts. A unified national coordination mechanism that engages with international stakeholders and agencies will foster the diligent execution of these strategies and plans. III. PROJECT GOAL USAID's overarching goal for this program is to prevent or mitigate the impact of naturally-occurring outbreaks and intentional or accidental releases of dangerous pathogens, rapidly detect and transparently report outbreaks when they occur, mitigate human suffering and the loss of human life, and reduce economic impact through the application of a One Health approach in Viet Nam. IV. STATEMENT OF STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND PROJECT RESULTS The aim of this project is specifically to support Viet Nam's work in identifying and reducing the risks of avian and pandemic influenza (API) and emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) at the animal-human interface. The project will pay particular attention to coordination and collaboration among human health, animal health and environmental sectors, with on-going API and EID programs, including USAID's Emerging Pandemic Threats (EPT) program. Coordination and collaboration with other One Health and Eco Health activities is strongly encouraged along with expanding involvement and support from the private/corporate sector. In addition, the program will contribute to the implementation of the Global Health Security Agenda in Viet Nam which was launched in 2014. The objectives of the project include but are not limited to: - to support a revised national coordination mechanism and the effective function of the One Health Partnership for Zoonoses, by strengthening capacity, linkages, and access to and use of information under the National One Health strategic document; - to support the implementation of GVN's One Health Strategies and GHSA's Roadmap and Workplan; - to promote the regular interaction between policy-makers and other stakeholders, including universities and the private sector, on policy discussion and forums focusing on implementing a One Health approach and Global Health Security Agenda in Viet Nam; and - to explore other existing and/or planned projects and programs in Viet Nam and identify linkages where tangible One Health complementarities could be established and applied. Main outputs and activities of the project are listed below but not limited to: Output 1: National coordination mechanisms strengthened. A principal focus of this project will be to serve as focal point and secretariat support to national inter-sectional coordination on global health security and emerging pandemic threats, through enhancing collaboration and communication across sectors and among partners; supporting coordination steering committees, working groups, and forums; policy dialogue and advocacy; and international cooperation. Output 2: One Health Strategies and GHSA's Roadmap and Workplan implemented. The project will advocate for and support implementation of a national One Health strategy, and the engagement of stakeholders in reviewing, implementing, and monitoring Viet Nam's 5-year strategic plan (the "Roadmap") to meet the objectives of the GHSA. Output 3: Interaction between policy-makers and other stakeholders promoted and strengthened. The project will contribute to building the evidence base on One Health, and ensure information-sharing and knowledge management among partners and stakeholders. Output 4: Collaboration further improved among existing and planned One Health projects and programs in Viet Nam. The project will support and facilitate Viet Nam's engagement with regional and international networks and programs and contribute to build a strong and collaborative community of policy and practice in Viet Nam. V. QUESTIONS USAID is interested in gathering information on the following specific questions. - Stakeholders: Who are the key stakeholders most important to further developing One Health partnerships in Viet Nam, in order to best ensure inter-sectoral collaboration within the Government of Viet Nam and the optimum support of development partners? - Barriers and Strategies: What are the major barriers to strengthening and sustaining inter-sectoral and cross-ministerial collaboration on health threats arising at the human-animal-environment interface? What are some possible strategies to overcome these barriers? - Research: How might the One Health Partnership best facilitate, promote, or draw on relevant research on One Health issues? Please note USAID is not seeking technical or cost proposals at this time. Do not submit any proposal/application at this time. Only the information requested above will be considered. Issuance of this notice does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation of comments. VI. HOW TO SUBMIT A RESPONSE All comments must be submitted electronically to Hoang Thi Nhu Hoa at hoahoang@usaid.gov and copy Daniel Harter at dharter@usaid.gov. Responses to this RFI will be accepted through Monday November 30, 2015 at 17:00 Hanoi time. You will receive only an electronic confirmation acknowledging receipt of your response, but will not receive individualized feedback or suggestions. No basis for claims against the U.S. Government shall arise as a result of a response to this request for information or from the U.S. Government's use of such information. Specific questions about this RFI should be directed only to the email addresses identified above. The submitted information must not exceed 2 pages. The submitted response should include: Reference Number: RFI-440-16-One Health and GHSA Date: Name / Email Affiliation/ Organization Address - Short narrative, including strengths and expected contributions - Comments on outputs - Comments on questions - Other Please attach any documents that support your comments to the above questions.