Call For Proposals To Implement Targeted Strategic Interventions For Malaria Control In High-Risk And Vulnerable Groups
A. Background
Malaria continues to represent a public health concern in Rwanda where more than a million of malaria cases are registered every year and all 30 districts are affected.
In the last five years, the Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Biomedical Centre have made significant progress in reducing malaria incidence from 409 per 1,000 population in FY2016/17 to 114 per 1,000 population in FY2020/21. These achievements have been possible with visionary leadership and accountability which was enhanced by implementation of high impact preventive interventions such as Indoor Residual Spraying, LLINs distribution as well as community and local leaders’ engagement in malaria control with support from Implementing Partners and Local NGOs involved in SBCC Activities.
With the Rwanda National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2020-2024 as Rwanda free from malaria to contribute to the socio-economic development and considering its main goal to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality by at least 50% of the 2019 levels by 2024, a lot of efforts are still needed to reach our targets.
Referring to the NSP 2020-2024 Objectives 1 and 4, at least 85% of population at risk will be effectively protected with preventive interventions, and 85% of the population at risk will have correct and consistent practices and behaviors towards malaria control interventions by 2024.

However, recently, the Ministry of Health/RBC/MOPDD, in collaboration with partners have conducted an in-depth analysis using the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Matchbox Toolkit as a guide to ensure that the interventions being implemented are addressing the documented barriers, to identify any additional specific human rights or gender barriers in the context of malaria and to provide guidance on specific interventions to address any barriers. This assessment conducted between April and May 2021, under the coordination of the RBC/MOPDD, Rwanda CCM with support from The Roll Back Malaria (RBM) aimed at identification of the most vulnerable groups and key populations at increased risk of malaria infection, the barriers related to access to malaria services for these populations, how gender, humans’ rights, and social issues affect malaria programs.
The findings of the assessment show that the NMCP Strategy for malaria control amongst vulnerable groups in the country appears comprehensive, and programme data suggest some success in reaching most of the at-risk population, but gaps may persist.
These vulnerable groups include Prisoners, Refugees, Pregnant Women, Mothers/Nannies of U5, Rice Farmers, Fishermen, Mining workers, truck drivers, Health Care Providers, Students at School, Hotels Staff and Clients, Female Sex Workers, Security Staff, People with disabilities and travelers,etc.
These results also indicate that there are some important gaps that could be due to these barriers.

These include the following:
Insufficient involvement of vulnerable populations, particularly mine workers, refugees, and rice farmers, in the effective implementation of malaria prevention and treatment measures. Indeed, it appeared that some people use impregnated mosquito nets for other purposes. Efforts still need to be made to mobilize all vulnerable population groups to take ownership of the real risks of malaria and to be increasingly at the center of efforts to promote malaria prevention or to encourage rapid diagnosis and access to treatment.
Limited commitment to addressing the use of self-medication and traditional treatment of malaria. The results of the evaluation clearly showed that some vulnerable populations are strongly committed to buying malaria drugs from local pharmacies without a prescription. In addition, some prefer traditional remedies in case of illness.
Limited material resources compared to the needs of vulnerable populations. Many participants noted the challenge of insufficient material and financial resources to adequately address the needs of vulnerable people. This has implications for the coverage of basic interventions.
Insufficient health personnel in terms of numbers compared to the demand for health care. Informants from the health centers mentioned that they were often overwhelmed by the number of patients, which could affect the quality of care provided.

From the Assessment reports, key recommendations to address malaria vulnerable and risk groups included:
(1) Developing a clear Action Plan to address gaps in Malaria in Vulnerable Groups and
(2) Ensure CSOs are engaged in addressing malaria in Vulnerable and high-risk Groups
It is against that background that CCM-Rwanda is seeking to select 2 relevant stakeholders including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), and Local Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to support RBC/Malaria Program in designing and implementing targeted and specific malaria control intervention to the malaria high risk groups country wide as recommended to ensure that the interventions being implemented are addressing the documented barriers.

Suggested Malaria Risk Groups per Implementation Arrangement
SN Target Groups Number of NGOs Catchment Area
1 Refugees, Prisoners, Hotels Staff and Clients, Students at School, Security Staff, Immigration Staff, Health Care Providers, Rice Farmers, Mining Companies, Fishermen, and others (Easy to Reach Groups) 1 National wide
2 Female Sex worker, Truck Drivers, Motorcyclists, Cross Border Population, Seasonal Workers, People with Disabilities, and others (Hard to Reach Groups) 1 National wide
Note: Any applicant interested to implement interventions on both groups is recommended to submit two separate proposals

I.Scope of Work
Selected organization will be required to:
• Develop Annual Action Plan with tailored approaches that address identified gaps for malaria control with an emphasis on the assessed vulnerable groups.
• Implement planned Malaria interventions activities in line with developed action plan
• Develop and implement an Action Plan with tailored approaches
• Develop and Implement M&E activities to ensure expected results are accomplished timely and efficiently.
• Collaborate closely with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre/Malaria & Other Parasitic Diseases Division, local leaders, Health Facilities, and other organizations working in the country (All Administrative structures) for the effective implementation of the program.
• Provide regular and timely reports (narrative and financial) to the RBC/SPIU covering the activities of the approved action plan with copies to Malaria Division and RWANDA CCM
• Comply with all legal framework (Public Funds Management) and procedures related to the management of Government funds and resources.

II. Application
Eligibility Criteria
Organizations that apply must demonstrate that they meet the following criteria in the application:
• Provide a legal personality certificate from RGB.
• Proof of at least one-year experience (MoU or contract with partners) especially working with High-risk groups and vulnerable groups. Having worked in malaria program would be an added advantage
• Detailed CVs of key staff (Program Manager, M&E Officer, Accountant, Field staff).
• Provide a support letter from District Authorities within the Province testifying an ongoing collaboration in Health-related projects

III. Technical Proposals
A. Should not exceed 15 pages and must include the following:
B. Cover Page (one page): Name of organization submitting proposal; Name and title of contact person; Telephone numbers; Postal and physical address; and e-mail address.
C.Technical Proposal (not to exceed five pages): The technical proposal should describe the proposed innovative approaches, activities, goals, and anticipated results for the implementation of malaria prevention to high-risk groups and why, with an emphasis on existing Malaria control interventions and innovations.

D. Management and Coordination Strategy (not to exceed two page):
• Describe how the overall program will be managed with clear responsibilities of key staff.
• Describe how activities will be implemented and coordinated at all levels (Central to community level) in collaboration with local leaders and other partners working in the district.
• Note applicants are encouraged to use their existing staff recruit only key and justified new staff for the project implementation for efficiency.
E. Monitoring and Evaluation system (not to exceed two pages): Describe how to monitor and evaluate program progress and impact. Describe how the project will ensure the use of technically sound, high-quality approaches to support sustained Malaria control interventions. Provide adequate list of indicators that will be used to measure proposed results.

F. Organizational Capacities (not to exceed two pages): Briefly describe the technical and managerial experience of the organization to carry out similar activities and programs (in the context of targeting high-risk and vulnerable groups) with proof. Specifically describe previous activities (location, duration, results) in program implementation for disease prevention and control.
G. Experience in Resource Mobilization, Partnership Strengthening and Project Management (not to exceed two pages): Indicate amount of money the organization has managed during the last three to five years, including the following for each activity:
i) source of funds (funding organization),
ii) field of intervention,
iii) beneficiaries,
iv) partnership and collaborative institutions,
v) key results,
vi) challenges, and
vii) lessons learned. This should be presented as a table format.
H. Counterpart Financing: (one page): Indicate the contribution of your organization to this intervention (money or In-Kind). Provide a summary table describing the contribution and quantify its total value compared to the total cost of the intervention.
I. Proposed Personnel (annex): List the proposed personnel and qualifications of staff to work on this program. Include at least three CVs for relevant personnel.
J. Proposed Costed Action Plan (annex): Propose a timeline of key activities to be implemented, including all proposed program costs. Please note that, upon award, the Rwanda CCM and will work directly with each selected organization to adjust or amend this budget.
K. Note: Pages exceeding the page limits will not be read or evaluated.

Selection Process
The selection process will include:
1) An administrative and technical review to ensure that all eligibility criteria are met
2) A field visit for the shortlisted
3) Final evaluation report
4) Notification
5) Final Negotiation and Action Plan
6) MoU signature

Submission Procedure
For more information and other documents needed, please contact:
The Permanent Secretary of the CCM RWANDA, Ministry of Health Building, Kicukiro, 3rd Floor, Tel 0788626228
The application documents prepared either in French or English must be submitted in sealed envelopes within 15 calendar days starting from the publication of the call for proposals to the CCM Secretariat, MoH Building, Third Floor, at the above-mentioned address, not later than 24th January 2022 at 1:00 pm. Late documents will be rejected. The public opening session will immediately proceed in the Ministry of Health conference room, 5th Floor.