Consultancy services to develop a written document for integration strategies of tier-specific diagnostic testing for the animal, environment, and human health sector

GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI

Ministry of Health and Sanitation

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION

Country: Malawi

Name of Project: Malawi Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and

Resilience Program

Project ID No: P505187

Assignment Title Consultancy services to develop a written document for integration strategies of tier-specific diagnostic testing for the animal, environment, and human health sector

Reference No.: MW-MOH-573848-CS-INDV

Date of Issue: 7th October, 2026

Background

The Government of Malawi through the Ministry of Health is implementing the Malawi Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience project (MHEPRR). The project is financed by the International Development Association (IDA) and Global Financing Facility (GFF). The five-year project seeks to strengthen the capacity and resilience of Malawi’s health system to prevent, prepare for, detect and respond effectively to public health emergencies. It places particular emphasis on strengthening multisectoral coordination, surveillance, laboratory systems and other core capacities required for health emergency preparedness and response. Laboratories across human, animal and environmental sectors are essential for surveillance, diagnostics, research and response, but often function in silos, leading to fragmented data sharing, inconsistent protocols and inefficient resource utilization. Harmonizing these laboratories strengthens collaboration, improves early detection systems, and supports evidence-based policies at national, regional and global levels. The MHEPRR Project therefore seeks to engage a consultant to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the existing laboratory landscape and develop a strategic framework for strengthening inter-sectoral laboratory collaboration in Malawi.

Objectives of the consultancy

Main objective: To develop and provide clear, actionable strategies and a framework for strengthening inter-sectoral laboratory collaboration to achieve more effective, efficient, and sustainable health outcomes in Malawi.

Specific objectives:

Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current state of inter-sectoral laboratory collaboration, identifying existing mechanisms, gaps, challenges, and opportunities. Engage with key stakeholders to understand their perspectives, roles, and potential contributions to collaborative One Health initiatives. Develop a strategic framework that outlines different levels of collaboration in areas of communication, partnership, integration, and potential mechanisms like joint committees, policy agreements, and others. Provide concrete, evidence-based recommendations and action plans for implementing a strategic framework that includes specific activities such as

achieving SLIPTA 3-star accreditation, strengthening point of entry laboratories, establishing national proficiency testing programs, etc. Scope of work Conducting a situational analysis of existing diagnostic and laboratory services. Identifying opportunities for test integration, economies of scale, and cost savings. Proposing recommendations for policy harmonization and coordination. Providing technical advice and supporting stakeholder interaction. Developing strategies to integrate tier-specific testing for human, animal, and environmental health.

Specifically, the consultant will perform the following tasks: Analyze existing policy documents, reports, and strategic plans related to health and development. Identify and analyze the roles, interests, and potential influence of key

stakeholders from different sectors: human, environment, veterinary, plant and wild-life health.

Conduct in-depth interviews with senior officials and experts from relevant sectors. Facilitate participatory workshops with stakeholders to build consensus and gather insights. Develop a detailed report outlining the collaboration framework, strategies, and implementation plan. Present the draft findings and recommendations to stakeholders for feedback and validation. Deliver a final, comprehensive report incorporating all feedback and detailed action plans.

Deliverables

The consultant is expected to produce the following:

Inception report: A document detailing the consultant's understanding of the TOR, proposed methodology, work plan, and timeline.

Data collection and analysis report: A report summarizing data collection findings and the stakeholder mapping of roles, interests, and influence.

Draft collaboration strategy: The main report presenting the harmonized strategic framework, recommendations, and action plans.

Final collaboration strategy: The final validated report, including all annexes such as interview and workshop summaries.

Deliverables and Timelines

Deliverables

Timelines Acceptance Criteria Responsible

Inception report 7 days after signing contract Report demonstrates a clear understanding of the TOR and objectives; includes a sound methodology and analytical framework; identifies key stakeholders across human, animal, environmental, plant and wildlife health sectors; includes appropriate data collection tools; provides a realistic work plan and timeline PHIM/PIU

Data Collection and Analysis Report 30 days after approved inception report Report provides a comprehensive assessment of existing diagnostic and laboratory services and inter-sectoral collaboration mechanisms; identifies gaps, challenges, opportunities and duplication; presents stakeholder mapping covering roles, interests and influence; identifies opportunities for test integration, documents consultation findings; and provides evidence to inform development of the collaboration strategy. PHIM/PIU

Draft Collaboration Strategy 10 days after approved analysis report Strategy provides a clear and practical framework for collaboration across human, animal, environmental, plant and wildlife health sectors; defines roles and responsibilities; proposes appropriate coordination mechanisms; id