TIFA Zimbabwe Call for Concept Papers: Strengthening Programme Management and Documentation in Zimbabwe through facilitating DTLCs and DHIOs to collect, clean, and collate TB data before its entered into DHIS II at facility level.

The Tuberculosis Implementation Framework Agreement (TIFA), implemented by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), is announcing a call for concept papers (CCP) for Health Commitment Grant (HCG) from eligible and qualified organizations in Zimbabwe. Organizations selected through this Call for Concept Paper (CCP) will be invited to participate in a co-design process aimed at enhancing data quality across several dimensions: accuracy, consistency, completeness, timeliness, and the utilization of data for action at all levels. This objective will be achieved through the capacitation and facilitation of District TB/Leprosy coordinators and District Health Information Officers (DHIOs) in 15 high-notification districts. JSI/TIFA intends to issue one USD 250,000 fixed amount grant. The award period will not exceed 10 months, with priority given to immediate start-up.

Activities will include:

• Training and Facilitating DTLCs and DHISs: Strengthening of TB recording and reporting through training and facilitating District TB/Leprosy coordinators (DTLCs) and District Health Information Officers (DHIOs) in the 15 high notification districts to work with the health facility teams to collect, clean, collate health facility data (both DS-TB and DR-TB notification and outcome data) on a monthly basis before entering it into DHIS II including the DR-TB Tracker at facility level. 

• Training facility teams on data management and reporting: The applicant will ensure that that while at the health facility, the DTLCs and the DHIOs do build the capacity of facility HCWs (not only TB focal persons, but the entire facility team) using standardized training materials on TB/DR-TB case definitions, TB/DR-TB disease classification, data collection, collation, analysis procedures including cohort and cascade analysis, data visualization tools (trend charts, cascade charts), reporting into DHIS II and DR-TB tracker and data use & programme management (stock review for medicines, cartridges and HMIS tools). To achieve this, the DTLC and DHIOs will regularly take the facility staff through TB case definitions, TB disease classification (both DS-TB and DR-TB), TB regimen in use, outcome definitions, including recording and reporting TB data (DS-TB and DR-TB) using standardized materials with visuals to ensure data accuracy, consistency, completeness, and timeliness of reporting, including zero reporting. Similarly, the two will support generation and resolution of data queries for all reporting health facilities within their area of jurisdiction. Lastly, the duo will promote local data ownership and use for action. 

• Infrastructure Optimization and Sustainability: Ensure project cost-efficiency and long-term viability by leveraging existing site resources. The applicant must maximize the utility of currently deployed human resources, hardware (computers), established internet connectivity, existing power systems, and other data tools at supported sites, thereby minimizing award costs and fostering MoHCC ownership.