Table 1 Sample of the audit criteria and their evaluation for the non-gene drive sterile male mosquito release
Category | Benchmark/criteria | Target/Objective | Evaluation criteria | Evaluation method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Identification and analysis | Stakeholder identification and analysis for releases were carried out | The project identifies individuals and groups who can potentially to be directly impacted by its activities or who have a particular interest in these activities | Stakeholders are identified and analysed at the different levels: target village for release, secondary villages, regional level, around the insectary and national level | Documentation review of stakeholder mappings |
Information | Stakeholders were informed and understood about the sterile male mosquitoes (what, why) and their release | Stakeholders at the target village have a sufficient level of understanding to make an informed decision Stakeholders at other levels have had access to information and opportunities of dialogue | Stakeholders at all levels are able to explain in their own words the basic characteristics of the sterile male mosquitoes At the target village level, stakeholders need to be able to explain with their own words what the release will entail, with the basic information, the key steps of the release, its preparation, and its monitoring as well as what would be expected of them. They do not express a lack of information or of responses to their questions Other stakeholders can explain basic information about the releases and feel they have had sufficient access to information and responses to their questions Stakeholders are know that this is not a vector control tool and have a basic understanding of the regulators’ role in the process | Documentation review of the meeting briefs to confirm the information provided Interviews at all levels to confirm that the information was communication and the understanding level |
Consultation | The consultation process was developed in dialogue with stakeholders | Key stakeholders were invited to provide inputs for the consultation process | There is written evidence of these inputs (in the record SE) The consultation strategy developed based on dialogue with stakeholders exists and is documented | Documentation review of the stakeholder engagement records and of the consultation strategy Interviews with key stakeholders to confirm how the process of establishing the consultation took place |
The consultation was inclusive, particularly for vulnerable groups who did not have access to public debate (including women) | The consultation process provides for representation of vulnerable groups | Vulnerable groups are taken into account in the community decision-making processes, and they are satisfied with the way the consultation will include their views | Documentation review of the stakeholder engagement records and of the consultation strategy Interviews with vulnerable groups, including women | |
The consultation was significant, and based on understandable and culturally appropriate information | During the consultation process, the project verifies stakeholder understanding, in particular that it is not a vector-control tool Appropriate communication tools were provided to stakeholders in advance, including an information sheet on release with appropriate information (in alignment with the ethics protocol) | Evidence of verifications of stakeholder understanding prior to the consultation Communication tools are adapted to the stakeholders’ cultural preferences and context (including the literacy level) The information provided to the stakeholders includes at least the details present in the information sheet | Document review of communication tools and of engagement records Interviews with stakeholders | |
Complaints management | Complaint management mechanism in place | The complaint management system(s) are in place at the different levels and able to capture and address stakeholders’ concerns, feedback and complaints | Complaint management system(s) are documented for each levels and their mechanisms (committee, forms, etc. as appropriate) are in place and ready to function or already functioning | Documentation review of the complaint management system(s) Interviews with key stakeholders at various levels |
Stakeholders are informed about the complaints mechanism and know how to file a complaint and how it is dealt with | Stakeholders at different levels were informed about this mechanism | Informed stakeholders are able to say where they can express a complaint, and how it will be dealt with Communication tools are available and distributed / displayed / disseminated to ensure knowledge of this mechanism | Documentation review of the communication tools on the complaint mechanism Interviews with key stakeholders at various levels | |
Involvement of stakeholders in project monitoring | A discussion is underway with stakeholders on how to involve them in monitoring the release | Information on the possible involvement in the monitoring of the release was given to the stakeholders of the target village Stakeholders in the target village were able to make an informed decision about this participation | A discussion was initiated with the field entomology and insectarium teams to identify how stakeholder representatives could participate in the monitoring of releases Stakeholders understood what the release activities will entail and were able to identify which steps/activities are of more interest to them and whether and how they would like to be involved | Interviews with team members and with key stakeholders |
Feedback to stakeholders | A report on activities on contained work with the sterile male was done in an appropriate manner to the stakeholders | A feedback activity on contained use with the sterile male mosquito was done appropriately all levels | Activities were organized for stakeholders at each level according to their levels of interest, engagement preferences, and understanding levels Stakeholders were able to ask questions and get responses during these sessions with team members | Documentation review of engagement records Interviews with key stakeholders |
Management functions | The ethics protocol on releases was approved by the competent authorities | An ethics protocol for the release and including the engagement activities was drafted, submitted and approved and the team is ready to implement it | A draft ethics protocol for the release of the sterile male mosquitoes was prepared in accordance with the project process and with the inputs of the different teams and was submitted to the competent authorities The final protocol received a documented agreement from the competent ethical authorities The release and engagement protocol is in accordance with this protocol accepted by the ethics committee and a checklist is in place | Documentation review of the ethics protocol |