Consultancy: Development of Costed Action Cross Sectoral Action Plan to address, reduce and prevent adolescent pregnancy in Guyana (National/International) #514548

Nationally, teenage pregnancy has received a great deal of focus in recent years, and is regarded as a significant public health issue. Globally, about 16 million girls aged 15 to 19 years and two million girls under the age of 15 give birth every year. As part of the response to address adolescent pregnancy, it was recommended by the Findings of the SitAn of Adolescent mothers in Guyana and by the Reintegration Policy for Adolescent Mothers into the Formal School System, that as part of response, there should be the development of a costed cross -sectoral action plan to address the prevention and reduction of adolescent pregnancy in Guyana.

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Background

Nationally, teenage pregnancy has received a great deal of focus in recent years, and is regarded as a significant public health issue. Globally, about 16 million girls aged 15 to 19 years and two million girls under the age of 15 give birth every year.

Addressing and reducing adolescent pregnancy will contribute towards fulfilment of the reproductive and sexual rights of adolescents. At the same time, it will improve maternal- and child health, increase the number of girls completing their education, contribute towards greater gender equality and reduce the incidence of sexual violence. Furthermore, it will increase economic productivity, human capital and employment, which all lead to the full realization of the rights and potential of adolescents. As such, reducing adolescent pregnancy has multiple positive effects on the lives of girls, women, boys and men, while also breaking the cycle of inter-generational poverty and contributing to national, economic and social development.

In Guyana, the adolescent pregnancy percentage has been fluctuating from 20-22 % below the age of 19 years and has remained constant at 1 % under 15 years for the last 2 years (MOH, Statistical Department, PHC data 2013). Adolescent mothers are biologically not ready for pregnancy which can result in a number of complications such as intrauterine growth retardation, preterm labour and cephalic pelvic disproportion. These social determinants, effects of the conceptual module of health, thus adversely affect adolescent pregnancy.

Based on the Integrated Strategic Framework, developed by CARICOM in partnership with UNFPA, there are five strategic pillars which will be addressed by all CARICOM member countries. These pillars speak to the major areas of actions to be undertaken by the government to address the reduction of adolescent pregnancy in the country.

In this regard, the Ministry of Public Health in Guyana, UNICEF and UNFPA had supported the conduct of the Situation Analysis of Adolescent Pregnancy in Guyana. Additionally, UNICEF had supported the Ministry of Education in the development of the National Policy for the Reintegration of Adolescent Mothers into the formal school system. As part of the response to address adolescent pregnancy, it was recommended by the Findings of The SitAn of Adolescent mothers in Guyana and by the Reintegration Policy for Adolescent Mothers into the Formal School System, that as part of response, that there should be the development of a costed cross -sectoral action plan to address the prevention and reduction of adolescent pregnancy in Guyana.

Objectives for this Consultancy

1. To develop a framework for coordinated response including but not limited to prioritization of proposed action plans, monitoring, monitoring reviews, evaluation, accountability and resources. Risks analysis, Risk mitigation.
2. Based on the findings and recommendation of the adolescent pregnancy SitAn and the reintegration policy for adolescent mothers, determine the cost of the proposed cross-sectoral actions to reduce the prevalence and incidence of teen pregnancy in Guyana.
3. Informed by A &B, analyse the cost-effectiveness and affordability of planned initiatives in the Action Plan taking into consideration relevant line Ministries budget analysis and the overall analysis of the fiscal space for namely the three concerned Sectors – Education, Health and Social Protection.

The complete Terms of Reference can be accessed here  ToR-Costed Action cross sector plan.pdf

Remarks:

Candidates should submit an outline of the proposed approach and methodology to meeting the requirements outlined in this ToR (max 2 pages as a separate document) and a breakdown of costs per deliverable. Candidates failing to include these, will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.