REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON ORGANIZATION CAPACITY
The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the Principal Recipient in the Philippines of the Global Fund to Fight Tuberculosis, is seeking information on potential local sources (i.e. Filipino non-government organizations, private firms, academic institutions) with the capacity to provide the technical services for the study:
Maximizing Rapid Diagnostic Tools (RDT) for PMDT in the Philippines
Before 2010, PMDT is diagnosed via conventional methods (culture and DST) which resulted to patient loss from delays (6 months up to a year) between identifying the suspects to treatment enrollment. The low sensitivity (35-80%) of smear microscopy limits the impact on TB control. Culture methods are complex, slow, and are rarely available in high endemic countries. Drug susceptibility testing is slower and more technically complex. (Scott, 2010) Thus, early case detection is essential in order to interrupt transmission and further spread of TB and multidrug- resistant TB. These have highlighted the urgency for rapid screening methods and introduction of rapid diagnostic tools (RDTs). (WHO, 2008)
Study Objectives
This operations research aims to identify range of techniques in use for rapid techniques (GeneXpert, LPA, MGIT) for timely diagnosis and early initiation of treatment as it applies in the Philippine setting.
Specifically, it aims to:
1. To review and assess the NTP system of rapid case finding (Diagnostic algorithms employing RDTs) for DRTB patients (MDR, XDR , Poly and Empiric) and case holding of patients;
2. To determine what the WHO recommendations on the use of RDT are (GeneXPert, LPA, MGIT), and compare it with the current practice in the country and best practices in other countries;
3. To identify detailed recommendations on how RDT can be maximized independently or in combination with other tests for a more effective and efficient management of DR-TB in the Philippines.
Interested parties are invited to submit a capacity statement and their individual/company profile.
a. Background of organization/firm/institution/curriculum vitae (for individual) including areas of expertise, comparative advantage and contact details
b. Information highlighting company/individual’s technical capabilities to perform desired study
c. Information specifying related past and/or ongoing projects
d. Statement of Availability between October 2012 – February 2013
Capacity statement should not exceed ten pages (in PDF or DOC), and must be submitted via email addressed to Ralph Julius Bawalan, Research Officer PBSP- GF, at ralph.bawalan@gmail.com with the subject line “RFI on Maximizing RDT by [Name of Organization/Individual]” on or before October 15, 2012.
The response to this RFI will be treated for information purposes only. Only shortlisted organization/individual respondents will receive notification.