WAPCAS - GHANA-WEST AFRICA PROGRAM TO COMBAT AIDS AND STIREQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)The Ghana-West Africa Programme to Combat AIDS and STI (WAPCAS) in collaboration with the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NACP) and Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), is requesting proposals from qualified firms or Consultants for the first round of:BIO-BEHAVIOURAL SURVEY (BBS) AMONG PERSONS WHO USE DRUGS (PUDS) AND MAPPING AND SIZE ESTIMATION OF

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PUD.A) BackgroundA rapid assessment of people who use and inject drugs was conducted in four regions in Ghana between October and December 2021. Findings from the assessment reveal key quantitative and qualitative data on the challenging conditions for people who use and inject drugs. The prevalence of HIV among PUDS stood at 2.5%, surpassing the national average. The rate was particularly higher in females at 12.

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3%, while women involved in Sex Work recorded a prevalence rate of 17.7%. Hepatitis C was found to be at 6%, with two clusters showing a 12% prevalence, while Hepatitis B prevalence was 4.5%, higher among males.The National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (NSP) 2021-2025 aims to achieve epidemic control and the UNAIDS fast-track targets of 95-95- 95 by 2025, prioritising prevention, treatment, and care programmes for key affected populations (KPS).

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It also indicates the conduct of bio- behavioural surveys (BBS) among KP populations every three to four years.This BBS for people who use drugs (PUD) will be the first ever conducted for PUD in Ghana, following up on the rapid assessment conducted in 2021. Funding for the study is provided by the Global Fund and WAPCAS is collaborating with NACOC and NACP.

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This RFP seeks technical expertise for the conduct of mapping and population size estimation (MPSE) and bio-behavioural survey (BBS) among persons who use drugs (PUD) in all the 16 regions of Ghana. The objectives are to measure HIV prevalence, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Hepatitis B & C, related risk behaviour, and access to prevention and care services, among others.

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The results of the MPSE and BBS will contribute to the definition of current trends of HIV and co-infections, the evaluation of national indicators and KP strategy implementation and facilitate tracking of coverage of the Global Fund New Funding Grant Cycle 7 KP project.

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Furthermore, the studies will generate critical data for policy decisions to inform both strategic and operational planning and resource allocation, ensuring proper targeting of comprehensive prevention, treatment and care services for PUDS.

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B) Objectives of the StudyThe overall objective of the mapping, size estimation and BBS is to collect data to identify priority locations for implementing interventions to ensure optimum coverage of services and to assess the prevalence of HIV and other STIs and behavioural risk factors among PUDs and their intimate partners.

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The study will be implemented in three components:Pre-Survey/Formative Assessment (PSA) PUD Population Mapping & Size Estimation BBS among PUDS Study durationThis study will be carried out over a 10-month period.

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 D) Qualifications for the consultantA research institution and/or Consultant of international repute with inter-disciplinary team of seasoned researchers comprising Epidemiologists, Statisticians/Biostatisticians, Sociologists/ Anthropologists, Public Health Specialists, and Biomedical Scientists. The research institution and each member of the inter-disciplinary team should have a soundtrack record in similar assignments.

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The consultant or research institute if not itself local must have local partners or collaborators.F) Source for Additional Information:Interested applicants should write to info@wapcas.org for the full proposal document.G) Proposal Submission:Interested firms or consultants should submit a total of four (4) (one original and three copies) hard copies of sealed set of underlisted documents in separate envelopes to the address below.

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One of the copies must be embossed ORIGINAL with the application letter signed accordingly,1. Capacity profile of institution and team members of priorexperience in similar studies (technical capacity)2. Technical proposal for the MPSE& BBS3. Financial proposal for the MPSE& BBSAddress to:The Executive DirectorWAPCASBox AT 1010 AchimotaORDirectly to WAPCAS Head Office located at East Cantonments, No.

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9 Obenesu Cresent not later than 7th May, 2024 at 17:00 hours GMT.Interested applicants can make further enquiries by E-mail to: kofi.diaba@wapcas.org or info@wapcas.org.Issue Date: 9th April 2024; Closing Date for submission: 7th May 2024<img src="

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