Terms of Reference
Consultant: MDT and associated drugs (Clofazimine, Prednisolone, and Rifampicin) Supply Chain Challenges Assessment.
Background
Multidrug therapy (MDT) is essential for effective leprosy treatment and transmission control. However, many countries face significant supply chain challenges, leading to stockouts, delayed treatments, and disrupted patient care. Persistent issues include inefficiencies in procurement, weak forecasting, inadequate storage, and last-mile delivery constraints. Additionally, poor road networks, geographic inaccessibility, limited funding, and weak monitoring systems further exacerbate these challenges.
To address these issues, GPZL, in collaboration with key partners, is commissioning an MDT and associated drugs (Clofazimine, Prednisolone, and Rifampicin) Supply Chain Challenges Assessment. This study will evaluate supply chain inefficiencies at global, regional, country, block and village levels across eight selected countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, and Tanzania (subject to change).
About Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy
The Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy (GPZL) headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland is a coalition committed to ending leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease. Our members include individuals and organizations who share our triple-zero vision of no disease, no disability, and no discrimination or stigma. Since its inception in 2018, GPZL’s primary roles to advance towards zero leprosy are i) To convene expertise and influence, ii) To build and strengthen links, iii) To advocate nationally and internationally, and iv) To mobilize resources.
Overall objective
With the support of GPZL partner organizations, the consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of MDT, Clofazimine, Prednisolone, and Rifampicin supply chain challenges in the selected countries, identifying inefficiencies, key barriers, and opportunities for improvement. The findings will inform strategic planning and advocacy efforts with the Governments and all stakeholders to enhance the availability and accessibility of MDT, Clofazamine, Prednsolone and Rifampicin.
Key objectives
Identify Critical Bottlenecks and Gaps: Assess the current state of MDT, Clofazimine, Prednisolone, and Rifampicin supply chain systems at Global, Regional, Province, Country, Block and Village levels, identifying key challenges related to forecasting, procurement, logistics, storage, and distribution.
2) Analyze Root Causes and Systemic Issues: Examine underlying causes of supply chain inefficiencies, including availability of ground products for the manufacturing of drug policy constraints, regulatory barriers, infrastructure limitations, coordination gaps, and data management issues affecting timely and adequate MDT, Clofazimine, Prednisolone, and Rifampicin availability.
3) Analyze Data and Develop a Report with Recommendations and Action Plan: Compile and conduct a comprehensive analysis of collected data and information to generate insights, develop a detailed report, and propose strategic recommendations for the country Governments and all stakeholders along with an actionable plan to strengthen the MDT, Clofazimine, Prednisolone, and Rifampicin supply chain system.
Target countries
Eight selected countries based on the selection criteria: Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, and Tanzania
Scope of Work
The consultant will
- Perform a literature review covering the past seven years to understand historical trends and pre/post-COVID-19 MDT, loose clofazimine, prednisolone and other reaction management drugs, and loose rifampicin supply chain challenges.
- Develop and refine quantitative and qualitative assessment tools (e.g. questionnaires, and interview guides) and its pretesting in consultation with GPZL’s working group, and country partners.
- Develop a protocol and provide orientation to country partners on data collection methodologies and tools and ensure consistency in approach.
- Conduct online key informants’ interviews including global, regional and national stakeholders, pharmaceuticals (e.g. Novartis), parties responsible for logistics, WHO, , Country Partners, key Government officials of National Leprosy Programmes National Drug Procurement and Supply Agencies, Central Medical Stores and in-country drug distribution systems, along with authorities responsible for waivers and the importation of medicines. and organizations of persons affected by leprosy.
- Compile and analyze data received from countries on procurement, storage, transportation, last-mile delivery, and inefficiencies gathered through structured surveys and key informant interviews.
- Identify best practices and case studies from countries with efficient MDT, Clofazimine, Prednisolone, and Rifampicin supply chain mechanisms.
- Develop a comprehensive report in the agreed upon format with in 25 pages plus annexures. The report should include - an executive summary (max 4 pages), introduction, objectives, process, methodology, findings, bottlenecks, challenges, lessons learned, best practices, and actionable recommendations, along with country-specific action plans plus annexures. This initial draft will be shared with working group members for feedback to ensure inclusivity and collaboration before finalization.
- Prepare the four-page summary of the report for circulating to external stakeholders and used in the dissemination programme and knowledge sharing purposes.
- Participate in dissemination activities, including webinars and stakeholder meetings, to share findings and advocate for policy and resource improvements.
Deliverables
- Inception report including methodology, work plan, and assessment tools (protocol)
- Literature review report summarizing key findings
- Pre-testing assessment tools
- Orientation workshop of country partners’ materials and report
- Country-level data collection report with compiled data sheets.
- Comprehensive assessment report with recommendations and country-specific action plans
- Summary of the comprehensive assessment report for external use
- Presentation of findings in at least two stakeholder meetings/webinars.
Duration and Timeline
The consultancy will be conducted over nine months (April–December 2025):
- April–May 2025: Inception. Literature Review, and development of questionnaire and interview guides (part of protocol)
- June–September 2025: Data Collection by partners, interviews from remote, Analysis and Report writing with action plan
- October–December 2025: Report Finalization & Dissemination from remote.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced degree in public health, supply chain management, health systems, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in supply chain assessments, preferably in the public health sector.
- Proven experience in conducting research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong understanding of leprosy programs and neglected tropical disease (NTD) supply chain systems.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex findings into actionable recommendations.
- Experience in report writing and presenting findings to diverse audiences.
- Fluency in English; proficiency in Portuguese and French is an asset.
Reporting and Supervision
The consultant will report to the GPZL Executive Director and work closely with the designated MDT Supply Chain Challenges Assessment working group.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- CV highlighting relevant experience.
- At least two samples of previous work related to supply chain assessments or public health research.
- Names and contact details of two professional references.
- Consultancy charge per month for 9 months from April to December 2025
Applications should be sent to admin@zeroleprosy.org by 20th March 2025.