Short Term Consultant

BACKGROUND

The Philippines registered the fastest growing HIV and AIDS epidemic in Asia Pacific in the past ten years. The reported case of HIV has increased from one case per day in 2007 to 21 newly diagnosed cases per day in 2018. Rapid diagnostic tests or laboratory-based enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) are used to screen for HIV infection. All reactive samples are then forwarded to the National Reference Laboratory — San Lazaro Hospital / STD AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory (NRL-SLH/SACCL) to confirm HIV status using a multi-test algorithm that also includes Western Blot testing.

In January 2019, a new rapid HIV diagnostic algorithm (rHIVda) policy was released by DoH in order to decentralize HIV confirmatory testing. rHIVda consists of a sequential combination of three immunoassay and/or rapid tests which can be reliably used to rapidly confirm HIV infection in certified laboratories across the country. The policy needs to be rolled out in the country and alternate testing algorithms need to be developed.

The national reference laboratory requires technical assistance to validate new testing algorithms for the diagnosis of HIV and HBV infections.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

This local consultancy will assist the Department of Health to support the implementation of the rapid HIV diagnosis algorithm policy and to provide technical support on the development of a study protocol to validate the diagnostic performance of new confirmatory diagnostic algorithms for HIV and Hepatitis B.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

In collaboration with the head of the NRL, in coordination with the Program Manager of    NASPCP and under the supervision of the team leader of communicable diseases, the Consultant will perform the following functions:

• Review documentation of previous validations of HIV testing algorithms conducted in the Philippines and summarized results in a brief report.

• Develop a laboratory validation protocol to evaluate the diagnostic performance of multi-test algorithms for HIV and HBsAg. For HIV, with special attention on determining the level of common false-reactivity between the tests selected in the algorithm.
• Provide support in the execution of the validation protocol including monitoring study testing procedures as well as data collection and statistical analysis (e.g. sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, power analysis and sample size estimation).
• Conduct a landscape of the different HIV testing algorithms used in other countries in the Western Pacific Region. 
• Support the implementation of the rHIVda administrative order 2019/0001 in the different rHIVda sites  across the country.
• Support the revision of the administrative order 2015-005 on the performance evaluation of in vitro diagnostic reagent (HIV), and include confirmatory and disease monitoring test kits.
• Coordinate the technical support with WHO CO/WPRO and SACCL

• Participate in capacity-building meetings and team meetings of the WHO, as necessary.
• Render other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the WHO.

Output/s

            In coordination with the NRL-SLH/SACCL, the Department of Health, the WHO Philippines and the WHO Western Pacific Region Office, the selected contractual partner will deliver at least the following:

• Laboratory validation protocol to assess the diagnostic performance of the different HIV   diagnostic algorithms as well as evaluation of HBsAg rapid tests.
• Report of the validation studies outlining  the most optimal rapid HIV diagnostic algorithms (achieving PPV >99%) and HBsAg rapid tests identified according to specified criteria of         performance.
• Recommend validated rapid HIV diagnostic algorithms (rHIVda) as alternatives for HIV diagnosis  to the different rHIVda sites
• Policy on performance evaluation of in vitro diagnostic reagent

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Essential:  

• Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology
• Master degree in epidemiology, (bio)statistics, public health or relevant discipline
• Relevant experience in evaluating HIV tests including rapid diagnostic tests
• Experience working in a national or sub­national reference laboratory for infectious diseases

• Experience working in project/s and research related to laboratory strengthening

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Updated knowledge on global HIV testing strategies, Good Clinical Laboratory Practice, and solid-knowledge and experience in conducting diagnostic accuracy studies
• Management of statistical package software
• Advanced MS Excel skills
• Good writing skills

LANGUAGES

• : Fluency in English
• : Fluency in the local language/s, particularly Tagalog

COMPETENCIES

The following competencies are mandatory:

• Technical competence in statistical analysis
• Ability to engage and communicate with multiple stakeholders
• Skills to respect and promote individual and cultural difference
• Capability of working harmoniously with a positive attitude at work
• Willingness to travel, as required

Place of assignment

National Reference Laboratory — San Lazaro Hospital / STD AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory

Medical clearance

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

Duration of Assignment

January to April 2020

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at wproungm@who.int  by 30 December 2019. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 101628 as subject to all submission.  Only successful candidates will be contacted.