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RESEARCH CONSULTANCY on the factors limiting individual blood donations in Libya

/ BACKGROUND

The programme “Strengthening blood transfusion system in Libya” is an activity implemented by Expertise France in Libya and funded by the European Union and France. The programme started in 2019 and will last until June 2021. It supports technical and medical staff in various Libyan blood establishments in their knowledge acquisition process. It will help developing guidelines (i) on the production of blood products and (ii) the use of blood. Finally (iii) it will also help raise awareness on the necessity of free and voluntary blood donations in Libya via sensitisation campaigns.

Description of the Assignment:

The general objective of this research work is to help Expertise France and the Libyan Ministry of Health identify the factors limiting the voluntary and fee blood donations of both genders in Libya.

The specific objectives of this assignment is to (i) research the challenges of blood donations from a cultural and social stand, (ii) focus on the factors limiting the share of women donors, (iii) propose a set of practical solutions or actions to promote voluntary, free, non remunerated blood donations

II/ MAIN TASKS

A. Analysis

• explain the cultural significance of the notion of “blood” in Libyan tribal society;
• identify the main reasons for individuals to make blood donations;
• identifying the sociological and cultural factors affecting the willingness of Libyan individuals to make blood donations;
• understand if the limitations are especially more severe in certain geographic areas or in certain socio economic categories of the population;
• analyse the reasons why women are almost entirely being kept out of blood donations;
• confirm the figures provided by MoH and directors of blood establishments on voluntary/non voluntary; free/non free types of donations;

B. Solutions

• design a methodology to target Libyan women and encourage donations;
• recommend solutions using social media, opinion leaders to promote changes and raise awareness on blood safety;
• identify incentives that could help promoting blood donations;
• propose what content or message EF future awareness campaigns should focus on to promote blood donations.

C. Deliverables

• A methodology explaining where and how the research will be carried out, detailing which tools (focus groups, questionnaires etc.) will be used, what type of individuals, professions, and socio-economic categories will be targeted by the research.
• The research shall blend qualitative and quantitative results.
• A final report detailing the findings of the research, documenting figures and listing recommendations in terms of good practices, key individuals, type of messages to convey and types of tools to use.

III/ EXPERT PROFILE

• Academic or PHD student in public health, sociology or anthropology;
• Strong understanding of Libyan society;
• Capacity to reach out to key stakeholders in public health and to organise consultations with a large number of individuals;
• Capacity to travel in Libya and conduct a research project in various types of settings (urban, rural, coastal etc);
• Analytical skills, capacity to propose a type of research blending qualitative/quantitative analysis;

Note: Technical briefing on blood transfusion and blood safety will be provided by Expertise France if needed.

IV/ LOCATION AND DURATION

Duration: Seven to ten days maximum (to be negotiated)

Period: March-April 2020

Location: Libya

V/ REPORTING & CONFIDENTIALITY

The working language of the programme and the language used in all reports and communications between the researcher and the team shall be English (UK spelling preferred). Arabic is also a requirement to be used in day to day activities

The consultant hereby undertakes to maintain confidentiality and not to disclose any information during and after the completion of the assignment with respect to all business matters of which he learns during his time with the programme and the outputs that are developed. Permission must be obtained from the programme before any publication.