1. Background As we move towards ending the AIDS, STI and Viral Hepatitis (VH) epidemics by 2030, there is need to ensure that the latest guidance is in place for the provision of quality services using a public health approach. WHO released global guidance in HIV, STI and VH management between 2021 and 2022 and countries are being encouraged to adopt and adapt these guidelines. In addition, the global community has committed itself to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) as a public health priority.

The Triple EMTCT initiative focuses on a harmonized approach to improving health outcomes for mothers and children. WHO develops and regularly updates guidance on the criteria and processes for validation of EMTCT of HIV, syphilis and HBV. Since 2015, Member States have been able to apply for validation for achieving the reduction of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) to a level where it is no longer a public health threat or problem. In 2017, the Path to Elimination was introduced to recognize countries with high prevalence of maternal HIV, syphilis or HBV in their efforts to reduce MTCT. Through the validation process, WHO and partners continue to provide country support for strengthening health system capacity and comprehensive person-centred, integrated services that respect and protect the human rights of women living with any of the conditions, and to ensure that these women are meaningfully involved in health programme planning and service delivery.

The Namibia PMTCT programme was introduced in 2002 and was well-integrated into MCH settings right at the onset. PMTCT services are available at the lowest level of the health structure and the main PMTCT indicators are showing continuous and stable achievement in terms testing and treatment of women living with HIV. As a result, the vertical transmission rate is estimated to be around 5% (UNAIDS 2021 Estimates). In 2020, the Namibia Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) launched the National Roadmap (2020-2024) for the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and Congenital Syphilis. The roadmap sets out the goals and milestones required to have Namibia certified as having achieved the Gold/Silver/Bronze status tier as per WHO's Path to Elimination (PTE) targets by 2024.

In accordance with this goal, the country is planning to submit the application for validation for PTE by June 2023, and work towards strengthening health system capacity and services for better outcomes for women and children.

Objectives of the programme In line with the WHO's Universal Health Care (UHC) initiative, the broader GPW13 goals, and the SDG's, along with the 2030 communicable disease elimination targets, the global HIV, viral hepatitis and STI programme continues to: * Focus on Treatment, Care and Service Delivery normative work on major HIV intervention gaps and rapidly translating new evidence and innovations into country guidance; * Strengthened country intelligence to identify and act upon slow policy translation and implementation through high level policy dialogue with Ministries of Health and National AIDS Control Councils. * Provide Technical support and capacity building to countries in line with the epidemiological situation on integration of services and promoting synergies across different disease areas to achieve broader impact, sustainability, and efficiency gains.

2. Deliverables Duties and responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the UHC/Life Course Cluster Lead, the incumbent will provide technical guidance, collaborate, and cooperate with national and county authorities and partners towards the goals of ending HIV/AIDS, STI and Viral Hepatitis (VH) with a focus on EMTCT for a period of twelve (12) months.

Specific duties The national EMTCT, Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health Officer will specifically execute the following tasks: * Support programming and capacity strengthening for Essential triple EMTCT services including testing in antenatal care clinics, prompt, and efficacious interventions to treat women who test positive, and to prevent transmission of the infection(s) to their children; safe delivery; appropriate follow-up of exposed infants, including HBV vaccine birth dose and optimal infant feeding. * Assess, design, plan and implement policies/strategies that support government to develop sustainable practices in reproductive, maternal and child health with a focus on EMTCT * Support the process for the national validation of the PTE of EMTCT. * Support integration efforts including good practices to improve access to SRH/ Family planning services for women and girls, particularly in HIV services and facilitate integration modules to foster interactions with health care providers to provide information and services for contraception, STI screening and treatment. * Review and contextualize the recommendations from technical working groups (TWG) such as EMTCT and AHD Taskforce, as well as working groups for co-morbidities and toxicity monitoring and incorporate, into existing guidelines and plans including the Reproductive, maternal new-born, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH), disease specific and national health sector plans. * Perform any other duties as assigned regularly by the UHC/LC Cluster Lead, WHO Namibia Country Representative or its delegated authority.

3. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 1. Nationality: A Namibian National

2. Education

Essential: a. University degree in nursing, medicine, or health-related discipline from an accredited/ recognized institute.

Desirable: a. Masters level degree related to medicine, Public Health, or health-related field e.g., MPH. Masters in epidemiology etc) b. UN and Government health experience will be an added advantage.

3. Work Experience Essential: a. The incumbent must have at least 5-10 years' experience in EMTCT of HIV, STI and viral hepatitis, reproductive, maternal, new-born and child health

Desirable: a. Experience of the Namibia health system functionality at National, county and sub county levels. b. At least 3 -5 years' experience in the development of guidelines, protocols, and training materials with documented track record of successful completion of similar or related tasks. c. Analytical and documentation skills, presentation of reports d. Relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies or equivalent is an added advantage.

4. Skills a. Capacity to plan, implement and evaluate health programmes at national level b. Ability to coordinate and manage projects and human resources, build partnerships with multiple partners in health c. Ability to formulate clear and comprehensive strategies, plans and budgets. d. Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to multitask and produce results under pressure e. Excellent communication skills f. Capacity for data analysis, computer proficiency and good writing skills

5. Use of language skills Essential: a. Expert knowledge of spoken and written English language is required.

6. WHO Competencies REQUIRED a. Communicating in a credible and effective way b. Fostering integration and teamwork c. Producing Results d. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond e. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

4. Technical Supervision

Dr Mary Brantuo, HSS, Participatory Governance & Policy

5. Location

Duty Station: Windhoek, Namibia

6. Travel - If travel is involved, full medical clearance is required

7. Remuneration and budget (travel costs excluded)

Rate: 65,500 monthly

Currency: NAD

Apply now

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: who.int