Lead Consultant for KAP Study

Kenya Medical Association

National Executive

Call for Proposals

Lead Consultant for KAP Study

The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) under the auspices of the Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (RHRA) is looking for a qualified consultant to take lead in conducting a two –pronged KAP study on uptake of family planning and comprehensive abortion care among women and girls of reproductive age (15- 49 years) and health providers in Mathare Valley.

This study will be in collaboration with Muungano Support Trust (MuST).

Background

Kenya Medical Association (KMA) is the professional body for all medical practitioners registered in the Republic of Kenya under the companies Act Cap 486.

Over the years, the association has grown in stature and scope into a high profile player and partner in many sectors of national development, at policy level as well as in operation of services directly and indirectly related to health.

Its objectives are to promote the practice of medicine in Kenya; advise the Government, other medical bodies and the general public on matters related to health; and promote the welfare of medical practitioners and to maintain and honour the interests of the medical profession.

In line with its objectives, KMA, through its Reproductive Health Standing Committee has been a member of the Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (RHRA) - an advocacy program formed in 2004 whose focus remains to contribute to the reduction of high maternal mortality and morbidity attributed to unsafe abortion in Kenya.

The alliance continues to do this by promoting for the prevention and reduction of unintended pregnancies, and by advocating for reform laws and policies that restrict access to safe abortion services.

In dealing with this, the alliance, through its six local organizations has centered its activities around advancing legal and policy reform; increasing public awareness; using evidence-based research and documentation to inform advocacy actions; strengthening partnerships; and monitoring the growing opposition.

The organizations include the: Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-K) who provide leadership in the area of law and human rights; Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) and Kenya Medical Association (KMA) who participate in the development of evidence-based research that supports reform; National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) whose focus is on training mid-level providers in provision of safe abortion services within the Constitution.

The Reproductive Health Services (RHS) and Family Health Options Kenya (FHOK) support NNAK by training private health providers with the purpose of integrating safe abortion services into reproductive health care countrywide.

A Secretariat serves as coordinator for the day- to- day RHRA activities and takes the lead in networking and strengthening of ties with other local and international organizations working in SRHR through its growing Friends of the RHRA. In addition, it documents and communicates the work of the RHRA to not only fundraise but also increase its visibility.

The Constitution of Kenya provides a framework for protecting women’s lives and health, including their ‘right to health care services, including reproductive health care’ (Article 43(1) (a)) and that the right to ‘emergency medical treatment’ (Article 43(2)). It also explicitly permits abortion based on the opinion of a trained health professional when ‘emergency treatment’ is required, ‘or the life or health of the mother is in danger or if permitted by any written law’ (Article 26(4)).

By specifying the minimum conditions under which abortion should be legally provided, the Constitution addresses the terrible toll caused by unsafe illegal abortion and places clear obligations upon the government to provide health care commodities and services.

Despite this, a general ignorance of and lack of information on if, when and by whom a termination of pregnancy can be carried out continues to impede access to safe and legal abortion services.

With the government taking lead in the implementation of the Constitution, there remains a need for civil society to be part of this process which aims to put in place an enabling environment that helps Kenyans realize the reproductive health gains.

Given this background, this study purposes to examine the determinants of high incidences of unsafe abortion in relation to reproductive health information and services including access to family planning and comprehensive abortion.

Scope of Work

1. Prepare and submit a research proposal to the Institutional Research and Ethics Committee (IREC)

2. Convene technical working group (TWG) meetings that will comprise of experts in legal and medical aspects of SRHR

3. Collect data in collaboration with Muungano Support Trust (MuST)

4. Prepare a detailed report of findings that will inform KMA on:

a. The health seeking behavior of women and girls of reproductive age in regard to FP and CAC

b. Programmatic recommendations and interventions that are required to ensure delivery of FP and CAC services to the full extent of the law.

Requirement

We are seeking an individual with substantial experience in research on sexual and reproductive health, particularly family planning and comprehensive abortion care.

Duration Assignment (Term)

Twenty-four days staggered as follows: Ten days for research proposal preparation and submission to the Institutional Research and Ethics Committee; three separate meetings with the technical working group; 2 separate meetings with the Principal Investigator; 7 days to oversee data collection and analysis by MuST and two days to write the report.

Submission of Proposals

If you are interested in this assignment, please submit your proposal and curriculum vitae (CV).

Your proposal should include a capacity statement, technical and financial components, and should not exceed three pages.

The capacity statement should provide information on your relevant experience and qualification related to the assignment.

The technical component should describe your understanding and interpretation of the terms of reference and how you plan to undertake the assignment.

The financial component should include all anticipated costs including consultancy fees.

Please send your proposal and CV which should include three referees to nec@kma.co.ke with subject headed as RE: Lead Consultant for KAP Study no later than end of day Thursday, March 1st, 2012.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.