1007- Mozambique- ARISE : Application of RDTs Implementation and Sustainability Evaluation

The overall goal of the ARISE project is to evaluate the deployment and usage of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for identifying and controlling cholera in Mozambique. The evaluation will be carried out through the following methods:

• Implementation strength assessment: Questionnaires administered to health providers, laboratory technicians, and health facility managers to determine whether health systems and providers have the capacity to deliver quality services (i.e., availability of supplies/equipment, supervision, training, communication activities, and service accessibility)
• Facility surveys: Continuous documentation of RDT use in health facilities
• Clinical and laboratory vignettes to understand whether physicians and laboratory technicians correctly apply cholera RDTs
• Clinical and laboratory technician observations: Direct observations of RDT use in practice
• Qualitative interviews: In-depth interviews with healthcare providers, laboratory technicians, and policymakers to gain a deeper understanding of RDT implementation.
• Human centered design workshop: Workshop with key cholera stakeholders to review the evidence, identify challenges, and co-create solutions to improve future RDT implementation.

The aim of the evaluation is to understand how cholera RDTs are currently being used within the national healthcare system in Mozambique and identify recommendations for improving their usage.

The student would be responsible for managing day to day activities in Maputo and ensuring the study is carried out according to the study protocol and milestones. The student would be responsible for troubleshooting issues that arise related to field activities, conducting health facility visits, and assisting the data manager with data quality checks and data cleaning. Tasks may include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist in obtaining and analyzing national-level cholera data
• Support development of questionnaires, interview guides, and other evaluation tools
• Support stakeholder mapping and review of national cholera response plans
• Assist in training and overseeing daily activities of field staff
• Accompany field staff on health facility visits to support and oversee data collection
• Assist field staff in completing qualitative interviews, observations, and surveys
• Carry out routine data cleaning and work closely with the data manager to build local data management capacity
• Compile updates for weekly reports on visits and activities completed.
• Participate in weekly meetings with the local and JHU team
• Conduct preliminary statistical analyses with data from the implementation strength assessment, vignettes, and facility surveys
• Conduct preliminary qualitative data analysis of information from observations and in-depth interviews
• Collaborate in planning for the human centered design workshop

The team in Mozambique are very collaborative and respectful. They are hard workers and value teamwork. They are very open-minded and interested both in learning from and sharing their experiences to teach others. They foster a supportive and welcoming environment. The student will also be supported by an established infrastructure of research in Maputo where various other projects are currently ongoing. The student will be able to form a community with other students and researchers who will be in Maputo for other projects. The student will also be working closely with a team of other researchers and students, including Dr. Kendra Williams and Dr. David Sack, who will also be available to provide additional mentorship and guidance.

This position is ideal for someone with a keen interest in implementation science, offering the unique chance to learn how to evaluate the impact of a national-level government program and contribute toward the improvement of these initiatives. The ideal student would have a proactive and independent work ethic with a collaborative spirit. Someone with a desire to gain on-the-ground experience carrying out research in an LMIC context and collaborate with a supportive and open-minded team of local investigators who are eager to learn and share experiences.

Name: Amanda Debes, Department of International Health, adebes1@jhu.edu

I would describe my communication and mentorship styles as... 

I strive to foster an open and supportive environment while encouraging independence and proactivity. I believe in providing guidance that will empower students to take initiative and contribute effectively to the project goals. My approach involves being readily available for questions and discussions, ensuring a collaborative and accessible atmosphere. I believe students learn best through guided hands-on experiences, emphasizing practical application as a key aspect of the learning process.

A complementary student would have a working style and mentorship expectations that are..

The ideal student would have an independent working style with receptiveness to guidance and feedback from peers and mentors. They should be able to proactively identify tasks requiring attention, showcasing a strong sense of responsibility, inquisitive attitude, and a collaborative approach.

It is expected that all living costs will be covered by the GHEFP stipend as well as the additional stipend that will be provided to the student by the project.

A stipend will be provided to cover airfare and housing.