Consultancy to support new vaccines introduction in Egypt

1. Purpose of consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to provide technical support to the Ministry of Health of Egypt and advocate for introducing new vaccines in the routine immunization programme.

2. Background

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was initiated with the goal of providing universal access to life-saving vaccines for children. Another dimension to EPI’s success is supporting the introduction of a broader range of new vaccines to safeguard individuals of all ages through comprehensive immunization efforts. This period also witnessed the development and introduction of vaccines targeting diseases like haemophilus influenza (Hib), Pneumococcal infections, rotavirus, Human Papilloma virus (HPV), meningitis A, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria.

EPI is a priority programme for Egypt due to its cost-effective ability to save lives. EPI in Egypt has achieved several successes in controlling vaccine preventable diseases, including strong national vaccination coverage of over 95%, through an increase of vaccine coverage and continuous surveillance leading to reduced illness, disability and death from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles and polio.

The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) continues to advance its EPI efforts through the introduction of Hib vaccine as a component of PENTA vaccine, aiming at reducing morbidity and mortality due to bacterial pneumonia. In addition to this, the MoHP has introduced a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine as a part of its plan of action to address viral hepatitis.

Egypt has not yet introduced three important vaccines (PCV, Rota and HPV) in the routine immunization programme. PCV will contribute to reducing pneumonia cases and pneumococcal deaths, while the use of rotavirus vaccine should be part of a comprehensive strategy to control diarrhoeal diseases. Also, the introduction of the HPV vaccine has been identified as a critical strategy to prevent cervical cancer in the region. In this context and recognizing the importance of advocating for these new vaccines’ introduction, the World Health Organization country office for Egypt will provide consultancy support to facilitate sharing of knowledge and good practice through meetings and workshops with government health agencies, and relevant stakeholders, and provide guidance and technical support in collecting evidence and making informed decisions about new vaccines introduction.

3. Work to be performed

Output 1: Institutional strengthening of National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) and evidence generation

-Deliverable 1: Support secretariat to build capacity of NITAG on roles, responsibilities, and evidence to recommendation process

-Deliverable 2: Support the conduct of activities to ensure NITAG meets the six functionality criteria

-Deliverable 3: Support NITAG to gather local evidence on the burden of cervical cancer, bacterial meningitis, and rotavirus diarrhea (as appropriate) to be used by NITAG

-Deliverable 4: Support NITAG and secretariat to develop a work plan and implement planned activities

Output 2: Support the country to adopt policies in favour of New Vaccine Introduction (NVI)

Deliverable 1: Facilitate the organization of in-country advocacy meetings to increase political commitment to introduce new vaccines with Ministry of Health and other allied Ministries.

Deliverable 2: Facilitate the organization of stakeholder in-country and consultative meetings to discuss the need for NVI.

Deliverables 3: Support countries to update their vaccination policy and immunization schedule in favour of life course vaccination.

4. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: University degree in medical sciences

Desirable: Post graduate degree in Public Health preferably in epidemiology or other related public health fields

Experience:

At least five years working experience in immunization progammes.

Skills/Technical skills and knowledge:

o Demonstrated knowledge of routine immunization programmes, vaccine preventable diseases and ; new Vaccine introduction

o Proven ability to think independently and strategically, plan, coordinate and implement strategies, and activities;

o Proven skills in capacity building, organizing advocacy and training workshop and meetings;

o Demonstrated ability to write clearly and effectively at an advanced technical level;

o Demonstrate strong communication skills;

o Ability to deal diplomatically with senior-level national counterparts.

Languages and level required:

Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic.

5. Location

WCO Egypt

6. Planned timelines (Subject to confirmation)

From 1 April 2024 to 31 December 2024 (Full time)

7. Medical clearance

The selected consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

8. Travel

The selected consultant is expected to travel within the country boundaries

Additional Information

· This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.

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