Consultants - Development Postnatal Care Guideline
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Purpose of consultancy
The role of this consultancy is to develop a new national Postnatal Care (PNC) guideline for mothers and infants based on the new WHO recommendations on PNC (2022), develop PNC training module as well as build PNC service delivery model that fits the context of the country referring to PNC service delivery models of neighboring countries. The consultant is expected to work with government officials of Mother and Child Health Centre (MCHC) of MoH to develop the above national standard on PNC in consultation with relevant stakeholders such as Obstetrics and Gynecology Association, Midwife Association, hospital managers and clinicians at health facilities, local communities and relevant development partners.
Background
Laos has been introducing various MNCH interventions over the last decade. It started from EENC, which was introduced by WPRO in 2016 and rolled out nation-wide in 2017.
Intrapartum Care EmOC was developed in country in 2017 and rolled out nation-wide in 2018. Routine ANC (2018-2019), RMNCAH Quality Care Assessment (2019-2020), Health Governance (2020,2021-2022), high-risk ANC (2022-2023) followed the same cycle of “develop and test” and “roll out nation-wide” intervention, while remarkable progress in MNCH outcomes have been seen over the last two decades (2000-2020), such as 78% reduction in MMR, 59% reduction in U5MR, 42% reduction in NMR, and between 2011-2017 ANC4 increased by 44% and SBA increased by 22%. In contrast, PNC indicator, for instance, postnatal check-up of newborn (within 2 days after birth) increased only 6.5% between 2011 and 2017. While ANC/PNC guideline was developed in 2018, PNC guideline has not been implemented. PNC guideline needs substantial revision as well as needs development of a training module to support the implementation, as well as establishing PNC service delivery model, which does not exist in the country.
Deliverables
• Deliverable 1: Technical report 1 on the findings on the literature review on the main characteristics of PNC guideline of neighboring countries (Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia), and postpartum practices in rural areas in Laos. Expected by Dec 31, 2024
• Deliverable 2: Technical report 2 to summarize the result of the consultation on maternal health subcommittee and relevant stakeholders at central level and subnational level that agreed on the outline and PNC interventions to be included in the new Lao PNC guideline. Expected by: February 28, 2024
• Deliverable 3: Technical report on the result of the investigation on care seeking behavior and selfcare practices of postpartum mothers in communities. Expected by: April 30, 2024
• Deliverable 4: Conduct consultation meeting with technical working group of RMNCAH strategy to agree on PNC delivery plat form to be summarized in technical report 3. Expected by: June 30, 2024.
• Deliverable 5: Draft national guideline on PNC. Expected by: September 30, 2024.
• Deliverable 5: Final national guideline on PNC. Expected by: November 30, 2024.
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications:
Essential: Degree in midwifery, nursing or medical profession
Desirable: Bachelor’s degree in health-related subject is an asset.
Experience
Essential: Work experience in mother and child sector for at least 5 years
Desirable: 2 years of experience in public health in low resource setting
Experience in providing postnatal care and newborn care as clinician in low resource setting.
Some experience of reviewing guideline/protocol in the area of MCH.
Skills/Knowledge
Understand the similarity and differences between Lao PDR and neighboring countries (Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia) in country’s context in health status, health system as well as socialeconomic status that affect effective PNC service delivery model.
Apply global standards into national contexts
Strong communication skills
Networking capability, interpersonal skills
Ability to take initiative to achieve results.
High degree of integrity, discretion, and personal conduct.
Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Location
On site: Vientiane, Lao PDR
Travel
The consultant is expected to travel.
Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):
a. Remuneration: Band level A at 200 USD per day for 20 days per month.
b. Living expenses (A living expense is payable to on-site consultants who are internationally recruited)
Not applicable for offsite and onsite for insurance purposes
c. Expected duration of contract (Maximum contract duration is 11 months per calendar year): 11 months per calendar year.
Additional Information
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