COVID-19 Supplies and Equipment

1. Who is responsible for the quantification and forecasting of COVID-19 supplies and equipment? The Government of Malawi (GoM), through the Ministry of Health's (MoH) HTSS coordinates the forecasting and quantification of ALL supplies and equipment needed for COVID-19 preparedness and response.
    
2. Where can I find an overview on the current forecasted supplies and their quantities for COVID-19 preparedness and response?
   Current forecast, with item specification, quantities and cost estimate are available in the MALAWI novel CORONAVIRUS DISEASE(COVID-19) PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (January to July 2020) March version. Updated versions of the forecast can be requested through the MOH HTSS.
    
3. What is the overall availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
   The overall availability globally was constrained but has improved considerably. The UNICEF Supply Division (SD) has accessed supplies from markets in China for a large volume of PPE. UNICEF Malawi is reviewing in-country stocks of PPE for potential local procurement. Local procurement of PPE products, hand sanitizers and soap is strongly encouraged. Protective clothing, masks and goggles are high risk items and country offices need the technical release from SD.
    
4. How do I procure COVID-19 supplies and equipment through UNICEF?
   Partners who want to procure COVID-19 supplies and equipment through UNICEF can do so through the procurement services modality. To access this modality, partners are required to use the existing MoU (if available) or sign an MoU. UNICEF will provide a Cost Estimate (CE) with details of product description, unit cost and expected delivery dates. The focal person for PS in UNICEF Malawi is Phyllis Ocran pocran@unicef.org +265 998 297 090
    
5. Does UNICEF charge for procurement services?
   Apart from actual cost of goods and logistics/freight services, UNICEF requires a fixed operational cost recovery of 8% as handling for medical supplies and equipment. In addition, a 6% buffer is charged as a contingency to cover against any unforeseen cost increase on supplies and equipment between the provision of cost estimate and the actual procurement. All unspent buffer is given back to the partner or reprogrammed for new request with partner approval.
    
6. How can I find the status of PO deliveries for COVID supplies?
   The GoM’s MoH with technical support from UNICEF, is introducing a commodity tracking tool that will provide visibility of all supplies and equipment received and those in transit/pipeline.
    
7. Who is responsible for the allocation and distribution of COVID-19 supplies and equipment?
   Supplies and equipment from procurement services will be allocated and distributed by the GoM’s MoH. The procurement from funds given to UNICEF will be allocated and distributed by the UNICEF emergency team according to the national preparedness and response plan. 
    
8. How is procurement for COVID-19 coordinated within the United Nations system?
   The UN agencies are requested and expected to share information and updates on procurement for COVID-19 response through the UN Procurement Working Group. The procurement working group will hold weekly update meetings online. The focal person for this working group is Fredrick Sheshe, fsheshe@unicef.org , +265 994 964 213 and can be contacted for additional information.
    
9. How does the newly introduced COVID-19 Supply Portal (CSP) system work? Since 18th May 2020, all requests for COVID-19 supplies by the UN agencies, government partners and other international NGOs shall be done through the country’s supply portal account, for review and approval by the National Response Team (NRT) chaired by the MOH and validated for final procurement by the Supply Chain Coordinator. For more information, visit: https://COVID-19-response.org/
    
10. Who constitutes the National Response Team (NRT) for COVID-19 Supply portal system?
    Government agencies, UN agencies, development partners, donor partners, NGOs and the Supply Chain Coordinator.
     
11. Who can sign up for the COVID-19 Supply Portal (CSP)?
    Every approved stakeholder who has an active role in the COVID-19 response action plan can sign up for the Supply Portal. All requestors must be legally permitted to import supplies. Non-government requestors must be registered at country level with the UNRC/HC office and legally permitted to import supplies. Requestors must be identified and designated to submit their request against an agreed portion of required supplies.
     
12. What supplies can be requested through the COVID-19 Supply Portal (CSP)
    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), diagnostics, biomedical equipment and consumables

 Read the Situation reports for details on COVID-19 supplies. 

COVID-19 Vaccine (COVAX):

• UNICEF Supply Division (SD) in Copenhagen is processing global supply agreements for COVAX, and the first agreements are expected to be in place by 31 Jan 2021.
• International transport and logistics preparedness: SD is leveraging its long-term collaboration with key airlines and logistics providers to formalize and prioritize capacity, space, quality and reasonable pricing for COVID-19 vaccine shipments and related supplies by air. SD will partner with DHL to take advantage of private sector expertise.
• Ministry of Health, Govt of Malawi in consultation with partners developed the ONE TA COVAX plan for introduction and roll-out of COVID-19 Vaccine in Malawi. Malawi submitted the COVID Vaccine Request to GAVI in early December. Once the National Deployment and Vaccination Plans (NDVPs) is approved, the rollout of the first vaccines in Malawi is expected to start vaccination in April 2021. Ministry of Health has prioritized and the targeted group identified for vaccination in order of priority (as per WHO guideline):

1.      Frontline health care workers: 0.3% (Health workers are at risk of getting and spreading the infection),

2.      Co-morbid: 10% (the older and Co-mobid population can get severe sickness and death)

3.      >45years: 10.7%

FAQS on TaqPath:

Introduction

• The Applied Biosystems TaqPath™ COVID-19 CE‑IVD RT‑PCR Kit has multiplexed assays that contain three primer/probe sets specific to different SARS-CoV-2 genomic regions and primers/probes for bacteriophage MS2 control (JUN-labeled). The SARS-CoV-2 genomic regions detected are Gene ORF1ab (FAM-labeled), N Protein (VIC-labeled), and S Protein (ABY-labeled).
• Taqpath can be used to run 400 tests in 2 hours.
• Data analysis is performed by using the COVID-19 Interpretive Software, which automatically converts genetic analysis data into diagnosis, helping reduce the risk of user interpretation errors.
• The newest version of the interpretation software for each type of instrument is available for downloading from a website. An insert that is included in the kit provides the end customer access to the location of the download.
• Applied Biosystems™ Real-Time PCR Instruments assigned for COVID-19 testing need to be properly maintained and calibrated. To ensure laboratory readiness, by agreement with Supply Division, the supplier provides at a complimentary price US$0.01 any and all calibration sets and dyes to the laboratories in countries ordering TaqPath COVID-19 CE-IVD RT-PCR Kits through UNICEF.
• Automated extraction - UNICEF can offer KingFisher™ Flex Purification System, KingFisher with 96 Deep-well Head. Catalog # 54000630. FCA Price US $49,300 per instrument.

Learn

• The TaqPath™ COVID-19 CE-IVD RT-PCR Kit and COVID-19 Interpretive Software eLearning course will guide you through the complete workflow. You will learn how to perform sample extraction, prepare the RT-PCR reaction, calibrate your instrument for ABY/JUN dyes, install the COVID-19 Interpretive software, set up a run on your instrument and perform data analysis.

eLearning link: http://thermofisher.com/COVID-19ceivdworkflowtraining

COVID-19 Interpretive Software

• Once you complete the eLearning and pass the quiz with 100% of the correct answers, you will be prompted to the page that will allow you to download the COVID-19 Interpretive Software.  The COVID-19 Interpretive Software needs to be installed on a computer different from the one that is connected to the Real-Time PCR instrument computer.
• Who is responsible for the quantification and forecasting of COVID-19 supplies and equipment? The Government of Malawi (GoM), through the Ministry of Health's (MoH) HTSS coordinates the forecasting and quantification of ALL supplies and equipment needed for COVID-19 preparedness and response.
   
• Where can I find an overview on the current forecasted supplies and their quantities for COVID-19 preparedness and response?
  Current forecast, with item specification, quantities and cost estimate are available in the MALAWI novel CORONAVIRUS DISEASE(COVID-19) PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (January to July 2020) March version. Updated versions of the forecast can be requested through the MOH HTSS.
   
• What is the overall availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
  The overall availability globally was constrained but has improved considerably. The UNICEF Supply Division (SD) has accessed supplies from markets in China for a large volume of PPE. UNICEF Malawi is reviewing in-country stocks of PPE for potential local procurement. Local procurement of PPE products, hand sanitizers and soap is strongly encouraged. Protective clothing, masks and goggles are high risk items and country offices need the technical release from SD.
   
• How do I procure COVID-19 supplies and equipment through UNICEF?
  Partners who want to procure COVID-19 supplies and equipment through UNICEF can do so through the procurement services modality. To access this modality, partners are required to use existing MoU (if available) or sign an MoU. UNICEF will provide a Cost Estimate (CE) with details of product description, unit cost and expected delivery dates. The focal person for PS in UNICEF Malawi is Phyllis Ocran pocran@unicef.org +265 998 297 090
   
• Does UNICEF charge for procurement services?
  Apart from actual cost of goods and logistics/freight services, UNICEF requires a fixed operational cost recovery of 8% as handling for medical supplies and equipment. In addition, a 6% buffer is charged as contingency to cover against any unforeseen cost increase on supplies and equipment between provision of cost estimate and the actual procurement. All unspent buffer is given back to the partner or reprogrammed for new request with partner approval.
   
• How can I find the status of PO deliveries for COVID supplies?
  The GoM’s MoH with technical support from UNICEF, is introducing a commodity tracking tool that will provide visibility of all supplies and equipment received and those in transit/pipeline.
   
• Who is responsible for allocation and distribution of COVID-19 supplies and equipment?
  Supplies and equipment from procurement services will be allocated and distributed by the GoM’s MoH. Those procurement from funds given to UNICEF will be allocated and distributed by the UNICEF emergency team according to the national preparedness and response plan. 
   
• How is procurement for COVID-19 coordinated within the United Nations system?
  The UN agencies are requested and expected to share information and updates on procurement for COVID-19 response through the UN Procurement Working Group. The procurement working group will hold weekly update meetings online. The focal person for this working group is Fredrick Sheshe, fsheshe@unicef.org , +265 994 964 213 and can be contacted for additional information.
   
• How does the newly introduced COVID-19 Supply Portal (CSP) system work? Effective May 18 2020, all requests for COVID-19 supplies by the UN agencies, government partners and other international NGOs shall be done through the country’s supply portal account, for review and approval by the National Response Team (NRT) chaired by the MOH and validated for final procurement by the Supply Chain Coordinator. For more information, visit: https://COVID-19-response.org/
   
• Who constitutes the National Response Team (NRT) for COVID-19 Supply portal system?
  Government agencies, UN agencies, development partners, donor partners, NGOs and the Supply Chain Coordinator.
   
• Who can sign up for the COVID-19 Supply Portal (CSP)?
  Every approved stakeholder who has an active role in the COVID-19 response action plan can sign up for the Supply Portal. All requestors must be legally permitted to import supplies. Non-government requestors must be registered at country level with the UNRC/HC office and legally permitted to import supplies. Requestors must be identified and designated to submit their request against an agreed portion of required supplies.
   
• What supplies can be requested through the COVID-19 Supply Portal (CSP)
  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), diagnostics, biomedical equipment and consumables

•  Read the Situation reports for details on COVID-19 supplies. 

   

  COVID-19 Vaccine (COVAX):

• UNICEF Supply Division (SD) in Copenhagen is processing global supply agreements for COVAX, and the first agreements are expected to be in place by 31 Jan 2021.
• International transport and logistics preparedness: SD is leveraging its long-term collaboration with key airlines and logistics providers to formalize and prioritize capacity, space, quality and reasonable pricing for COVID-19 vaccine shipments and related supplies by air. SD will partner with DHL to take advantage of private sector expertise.

•  

• Ministry of Health, Govt of Malawi in consultation with partners developed the ONE TA COVAX plan for introduction and roll-out of COVID-19 Vaccine in Malawi. Malawi submitted the COVID Vaccine Request to GAVI in early December. Once the National Deployment and Vaccination Plans (NDVPs) is approved, the roll-out of first vaccines in Malawi is expected to start vaccination in April 2021. Ministry of Health has prioritized and the targeted group identified for vaccination in order of priority (as per WHO guideline):

• 1.      Frontline health care workers: 0.3% (Health workers are at risk of getting and spreading the infection),

  2.      Co-morbid: 10% (the older and Co-morbid population can get severe sickness and death)

  3.      >45years: 10.7%

   

   

   

  FAQS on TaqPath:

  Introduction.

• The Applied Biosystems TaqPath™ COVID-19 CE‑IVD RT‑PCR Kit has multiplexed assays that contain three primer/probe sets specific to different SARS-CoV-2 genomic regions and primers/probes for bacteriophage MS2 control (JUN-labeled). The SARS-CoV-2 genomic regions detected are Gene ORF1ab (FAM-labeled), N Protein (VIC-labeled), and S Protein (ABY-labeled).
• Taqpath can be used to run 400 tests in 2 hours.
• Data analysis is performed by using the COVID-19 Interpretive Software, which automatically converts genetic analysis data into diagnosis, helping reduce the risk of user interpretation errors.
• A newest version of the interpretation software for each type of instrument is available for downloading from a website. An insert that is included in the kit provides the end customer access to the location of the download.
• Applied Biosystems™ Real-Time PCR Instruments assigned for COVID-19 testing need to be properly maintained and calibrated. To ensure laboratory readiness, by agreement with Supply Division, the supplier provides at a complimentary price US$0.01 any and all calibration sets and dyes to the laboratories in countries ordering TaqPath COVID-19 CE-IVD RT-PCR Kits through UNICEF.
• Automated extraction - UNICEF can offer KingFisher™ Flex Purification System, KingFisher with 96 Deep-well Head. Catalog # 54000630. FCA Price US $49,300 per instrument.

• Learn

• The TaqPath™ COVID-19 CE-IVD RT-PCR Kit and COVID-19 Interpretive Software eLearning course will guide you through the complete workflow. You will learn how to perform sample extraction, prepare the RT-PCR reaction, calibrate your instrument for ABY/JUN dyes, install the COVID-19 Interpretive software, set up a run on your instrument and perform data analysis.

• eLearning link: http://thermofisher.com/COVID-19ceivdworkflowtraining

  COVID-19 Interpretive Software

• Once you complete the eLearning and pass the quiz with 100% of the correct answers, you will be prompted to the page that will allow you to download the COVID-19 Interpretive Software.  The COVID-19 Interpretive Software needs to be installed on a computer different from the one that is connected to the Real-Time PCR instrument computer.

Read the Situation reports for details on COVID-19 supplies.