A draft Investment Design Document (IDD) for the Nauru Health Support program is currently being finalised. Following approval of the IDD by DFAT, it is expected that the draft IDD will be released to industry in July/August 2018 with Request for Tender (RFT) documentation expected to be released by August 2018.

The design proposes assistance to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) delivered through two modalities:

1. a DFAT project implemented through a Managing Contractor (MC) and
2. a DFAT grant agreement with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The draft design for assistance through the MC implemented project proposes an initial three year program of support to MHMS with an option to extend for up to an additional three years.

The overall goal of the Program is "a strengthened health system that holistically contributes to reducing the burden of life style diseases in Nauru"

The initial three year program of the implemented project comprises two components:

1. Component 1: Strengthened Health Systems
2. Component 2: Extended Community Health Services

The MC implemented project is intended to provide technical assistance and other support to the MHMS to strengthen health information, logistics management, planning, performance management and operational systems. This will include the installation of a suite of computerised health information systems and associated training and support to enable MHMS to collect analyse and use health data. The project will also provide support to ensure that the annual system of planning, budgeting, organisational performance and monitoring functions result in improved Annual Operational Plans and the use of core health indicators to track outputs and outcomes.

The project will also support the development of health system standard operating procedures and a Management Development Program to develop the competences of a cadre of current staff who have the potential to become future health managers responsible for implementing the strengthened health systems. The approach proposed is learning-by-doing supported by coaching and mentoring, rather than just knowledge gained through courses.

The project will also provide support to strengthen community-based primary health services to deliver essential primary health services locally, including for non-communicable diseases, and relieve the burden on the one hospital in Nauru. Proposed activities include improvements to 'Wellness Clinics' to bring services to the community, including through multi-purpose outreach and domiciliary visits.

Subject to the final financial delegate approval, the activity budget for the initial three years of the implemented project is estimated at approximately $4.5 million.

For more information contact NauruhealthRFT@dfat.gov.au