RFP-2022-25: conduct an acceptability and feasibility assessment for the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR) in Cambodia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines

This consultancy is intended to assess the acceptability of DVR to cis women at substantial HIV risk and feasibility of implementation in four Asia-Pacific countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. In addition, this project is intended to assess the feasibility of implementation of DVR (and similar pipeline projects) within the respective HIV responses, health systems and local contexts of these countries. This will involve project planning and protocol development, stakeholder sensitization and engagement, the conduct of the assessment, reporting and providing evidence-based recommendations for next steps.

Activity 1: Develop an overarching project plan outlining overall approach and methods, regional and country-level activities, working group(s) formation, milestones and timeframes
Activity 2: Develop a research protocol(s) for conducting the project, including all data collection instruments and participant facing materials, in consultation with key country and regional stakeholders (particularly WHO and UNFPA among UN Partners, FHI etc as appropriate to the country context) for the assessment in Cambodia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and The Philippines. The assessment for acceptability will focus on the communities who may benefit from this new PrEP product (assessing interest/acceptability, willingness to pay, service modalities etc.), but should also include an assessment of providers, implementers and decision-makers. Feasibility will focus on feasibility within the HIV response, health services / systems, purchasing/procurement, and local contexts, whilst also incorporating information from the community.
Activity 3 (concurrent with activity 2): Stakeholder engagement (including working group establishment) and sensitization activities to support the development of the protocol and preparation for the project.
Activity 4: Adaptation of the materials to the four Asia-Pacific countries as required for submission to relevant research ethics committees or approval bodies in the four countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.
Activity 5: In consultation with UNAIDS and WHO country offices and other partners, submit the protocol for approval from relevant research ethics committees or approval bodies for the four Asia-Pacific countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.
Activity 6: Conduct assessments for the 1) acceptability of DVR among cis women at substantial risk and 2) feasibility for implementation according to the approved project protocol in the four Asia-Pacific countries: Cambodia, Indonesia,
Activity 7: Draft a comprehensive report outlining the findings from the acceptability and feasibility assessments, outlining the findings from the project by country and including a synthesis of relevant regional findings. The report should provide evidence-based recommendations for next steps.
Activity 8: Finalise the report incorporating feedback from UNAIDS and WHO, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
Activity 9: Launch the report in 4 countries with key stakeholders, including but not limited to the communities, organizations and government departments contributing to the project, as appropriate.
Approximate duration is from 18th May till 30 September 2023
“For details on the activities and expected outcomes please refer to the attached RFP document.