Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as the leading cause of death globally. Of 56.9 million global deaths in 2016, 40.5 million, or 71%, were due to NCDs. The four main NCDs are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic lung diseases. The burden of these diseases is rising disproportionately among lower income countries and populations. In 2016, over three quarters of NCD deaths — 31.5 million — occurred in low- and middle-income countries with about 46% of deaths occurring before the age of 70 in these countries.
In recognition of the global challenge from NCDs, the World Health Organization initiated a call to action in responding to NCDs with the passing of a resolution at the 53rd World Health Assembly in 2000 and the publication of a policy document on a Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. This has been followed by a number of global and regional initiatives and publications culminating with the holding of a United Nations High Level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases in September 2011, with the leadership of the Caribbean countries and the acceptance of a political declaration calling on Heads of Government to reduce risk factors for NCDs and create health promoting environments, strengthen national policies and health systems, facilitate international cooperation, research and development, and monitoring and evaluation of NCDs.
Over the past twenty (25) years NCDs have been a major cause of mortality, morbidity and economic burden in the Caribbean and Jamaica, accounting for over 56% of deaths annually. In 2017, the top 5 causes of death in Jamaica were stroke, diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and inter-personal violence. Nine of the top 10 causes of death were from NCDs. Premature mortality was due to stroke, diabetes, interpersonal violence, neonatal disorders and ischemic heart disease. Combining death and disability together, the top 5 risk factors contributing to DALYs (Disability Adjusted Life Years) were high plasma glucose, obesity, dietary risks, high blood pressure and tobacco use.
In 2007 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, the CARICOM Heads of Government signed a 14-point declaration: Uniting to stop the epidemic of chronic NCDs. The National Commission on Non-Communicable Diseases is established by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in keeping with this Declaration.
The purpose of this Commission is to provide the overall strategic direction, leadership, expertise and guidance to the Ministry of Health and Wellness and all other stakeholders on matters related to the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Jamaica. The membership of the National Commission on NCDs will comprise of a multisectorial team of twenty-five (25) persons; in addition to the Commission, nine (9) standing subcommittees will support the Commission’s work. In order to achieve the goals and objectives of the Commission, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is required to provide technical and administrative support for the Commission and its subcommittees
OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY
To provide technical support to the National Commission on Non-Communicable Diseases
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY
- Commission’s work plan developed and implemented
- Commission’s technical materials prepared within the agreed timeframe
- Commission’s reports prepared and submitted within the agreed timeframe
- Non-communicable Diseases Knowledge Repository developed and maintained
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Sc. in Behaviour Sciences, Health Related Science or equivalent
- Masters Degree in Epidemiology, Public Health or equivalent
- Five (5) years’ work experience in the health field
- Two (2) years’ work experience in health research, surveillance or monitoring and evaluation
EOI Submission:
Expression Interests in the form of an Application Letter and Curriculum Vitae must be submitted electronically via email address edwardsta@moh.gov.jm on or before Thursday December 31, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
The detailed Terms of Reference can be viewed on the MOH Website at moh.gov.jm
Shortlisted consultants will be contacted for interview via the zoom platform
The Senior Public Procurement Officer
Public Procurement Unit
Ministry of Health & Wellness
RKA Building
10-16 Grenada Way
Kingston
Email: edwardsa@moh.gov.jm
We thank all applicants however please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.