Consultant - Neglected Tropical Diseases, Manila, Philippines

Purpose of consultancy

The consultant will support the collection and reporting of data and information on neglected Zoonotic Diseases (including Rabies), introduction of rabies vaccines and supply of donated health commodities (vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics), and provide operational and technical support to accelerate control and elimination of rabies and other neglected zoonotic and food-borne infections through integrated, specialized, and PHC-based approaches in line with the one health approaches in the Western Pacific Region.

Background

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of disease conditions that are most common in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases most heavily affect people living without access to adequate sanitation, basic infrastructure, and health services. In addition to significant morbidity and mortality, these diseases can lead to stigma and discrimination in communities. WHO prioritizes 20 diseases affecting more than 1 billion people in 149 countries as NTDs. Of these, 16 are endemic in 22 countries and areas in the WHO Western Pacific Region. These diseases include Rabies and other neglected zoonoses which require multi-sectoral actions in line with the scope of one health approaches. Six countries in the Western Pacific Region are Rabies endemic. These countries include Mongolia, China, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and the Philippines. Key priorities to eliminate Rabies include adequate access to Post-Exposure Prophylaxis against Rabies, Canine Rabies Vaccination, Integrated Bite Case Management, multisectoral action, cross-border collaboration Rapid response and community mobilization.

Since the endorsement of the Global NTD roadmap 2021-2030, WPRO has been supporting Member States in coordination and collaboration with donors and partners to accelerate control and elimination of Rabies, Neglected Zoonotic Diseases, as well as Food-Borne Trematodes among other priority NTDs in the Region through three strategic pillars: (i) accelerating programmatic actions, (ii) intensifying cross-cutting approaches, (iii) changing operational models to enhance country ownership. The NTD control and elimination efforts are guided by the regional framework on Reaching the Unreached (RTU) which prioritizes three actions areas: (i) strengthening health systems and services (ii) empowering individuals and communities, and (iii) addressing socio-economic barriers. In addition, the regional framework for controlling and eliminated NTDs outlines priority programmatic and cross-cutting multisectoral interventions for the elimination of Rabies as a public health problem as well as the control of other neglected zoonotic and food-borne infections endemic in the western pacific region.

Deliverables

Under the supervision and guidance of the technical lead of Neglected Tropical Diseases and the Coordinator of the Integrated Communicable Diseases (ICD) unit of the Division of Disease Control (DDC), in collaboration with the Health Ministries in the Western Pacific Region, WHO country offices NTD focal persons, and HQ/NTD Department, the consultant will perform the following activities:

Methods to carry out the activity

1. Provide technical support to development of national policies, guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and tools in to enhance use of human rabies vaccine through primary healthcare with a focus on strengthening the three core elements of Primary Health Care (i.e., Integrated Primary Healthcare Services, Community and People Empowerment, and Multisectoral Actions) which are essential for the control and elimination and control of Neglected Zoonotic Diseases (including Rabies).
2. Support National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAG) to provide technical guidance and support to countries on rabies introduction into routine immunization to reach the unreached and underserved people.
3. Provide guidance and technical support to countries to promote communities’ awareness and risk communication activities including risk communication and engagement with animal health sectors for the elimination of rabies.
4. Provide guidance and support in developing and using guidelines and tools required for controlling neglected zoonotic and food-borne infections through priority public health approaches and interventions.
5. Provide support and guidance on the implementation of priority actions under Action Track 3 of the Quadripartite Joint Plan of Action (JPA) for one health in the western pacific region.
6. Support NTD focal points in relevant WCOs and health ministries in compilation and review of request of donated health commodities required for vaccination and mass drug administration campaigns.
7. Besides supporting countries on rabies risk assessment, support the prioritization and implementation of operational research on rabies and strengthening the use of evidence generated.

Outputs

1. A situation assessment on PEP (Human Rabies Vaccines) done – expected by 30 August 2024.
2. WPRO technical advisories, Guidelines, and tools (as required) for the introduction, availability, and access to human rabies vaccines developed and in place for use by the relevant member states – expected by 30 Nov 2024.
3. Risk communication activities (including integration of rabies awareness and rapid action integrated in school curriculum and activities) – all throughout the consultancy period.
4. Tripartite bi-regional meeting on Rabies in Bangkok (16-18 July 2024) facilitated - expected by 30 July 2024.
5. Vietnam, Lao PDR, the Philippines, and Cambodia received technical, funding, and operational support to enhance access to rabies PEP as well as mapping and integrated interventions against neglected Zoonotic Diseases (such as Taeniasis/Cysticercosis) and Food-Borne Trematodes - all throughout the consultancy period.
6. Necessary data collected and analysis done as part of updating the integrated ICD Dashboard, and implementation research on the key aspects of Neglected Zoonotic Diseases conducted and published - expected by the end of the consultancy period.
7. Technical support and orientation provided to in-country stakeholders on One Health and Action Track 3 of the Quadripartite Joint Action Plan on One Health – until the end of the consultancy period.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications

Essential: First university degree in science, medicines or nursing from a recognized university. Desirable: Master’s degree in public health, tropical diseases, epidemiology or related field is preferable.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of 5 years' relevant experience working with the health ministries on control and elimination of at least one of neglected tropical diseases, communicable diseases, or health systems in developing countries in the Western Pacific Region. Desirable: Experience in implementation of health projects in remote and hard-to-reach settings will be an asset.

Skills/Knowledge

Proven knowledge and skills (including data and research skills) in Rabies elimination and/or other neglected zoonotic diseases. Proficiency in word and excel. Knowledge and skills in health products and supply chain management will be an asset.

Languages and level required:

Essential: Expert knowledge of English

Location

On site: Western Pacific Regional Office, Manila, Philippines

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel to the following countries as needed: Bangkok Lao PDR – 30 Sep 2024 The work might also require occasional travel to countries in the Region, according to priority as follows: 1) Cambodia; 2) Viet Nam; and 3) the Philippines. The travel will support the NTD/ICD Team in coordinating NTD Programs and participating in the integrated country missions at the primary health care level for reaching the unreached population.

Remuneration and budget

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Remuneration: Band level A, USD 6,000/month Expected duration of contract: 6 months.

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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Added 1 month ago - Updated 3 hours ago - Source: who.int