Contractual Partner for the Development of Machine Learning-powered Multi-Disease Diagnostic Network Optimization for HIV, TB, and COVID-19
WHO is looking a Contractor to carry out the multi-disease diagnostic network optimization focusing on HIV, TB, and COVID-19 for the optimal use of GeneXpert machines and STRider network, rHIVda and HIV viral load testing (i.e., cartridge-based and high throughput machine) for HIV, sputum microscopy, culture test, and line probe assay (LPA) for TB, rt-PCR for COVID-19.
BACKGROUND
The Philippines has a high burden of HIV and TB and is significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many existing laboratories for TB and HIV have been repurposed for COVID-19 testing, using real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) platforms and/or cartridge-based PCR, and through the integration of sample transport in some cases. Thus, health care programs against the three diseases have an overlapping laboratory networks due to the cross-program diagnostic platform of GeneXpert (cartridge-based PCR) and specimen transportation service by motorbikes, known as the specimen transport riders (STRiders) project.
The Philippines has over 840 GeneXpert (Xpert) machines, many of which are shared by TB, HIV, and COVID-19 programs. More machines are being added continually. In addition, each of these programs has other modes of diagnosis and follow-up of patients such as rapid HIV diagnostic algorithm (rHIVda) and viral load testing for HIV, sputum microscopy and culture for TB, and rt-PCR for COVID-19.
As of 2020, the HIV program has done 480,285 tests with around 14,000 rHIVda-confirmed tests. In 2021, the TB program conducted 563,334 for Xpert test and 643,792 tests for presumptive TB tested (Xpert and DSSM). The COVID-19 response program has been doing over 50,000 tests per day, although that has reduced recently. Certain number of non-testing health facilities connect to the existing laboratories through an extensive specimen transport network such as the STRiders. However, they have predominantly supported the TB laboratory network until now. This can also support HIV and COVID-19 programs if planned accordingly.
In response, strategic expansion of the GeneXpert for HIV viral load testing, TB diagnosis, and COVID-19 diagnosis, rHIVda for HIV confirmatory testing, and specimen transportation by STRiders is crucial for the timely diagnosis and early initiation of treatment. Access to diagnostics is essential to Universal Health Care’s focus on Primary Health Care, as an optimized network that maximizes available resources. This project aims to use geospatial network analytics approach to optimize the distribution and utilization of resources relevant to laboratory services focusing on HIV, TB, and COVID-19 with the following objectives:
- • Optimize the distribution and utilization of resources relevant to laboratory services focusing on TB, HIV, and COVID-19
- • Assess the need for additional GeneXpert devices considering the procurement and recommending optimum location to maximize its impact
- • Conduct DNO on a national-level
WORK TO BE PERFORMED
In coordination with the World Health Organization Philippine Country Office, the contractual partner/institution shall perform the following tasks/responsibilities in close coordination with the respective offices within the DOH-DPCB, DOH-EB, and OHL:
- Design a diagnostic network optimization (DNO) that is a cross-program platform for the Philippines with focus on the following:
- • GeneXpert and STRiders
- • HIV: rHIVda and viral load testing
- • TB: Sputum microscopy, culture, Xpert (MTB/XDR), and LPA
- • COVID-19: rt-PCR
CHARACTERISTICS OF PROVIDER
Mandatory:
- • Proven experience in the field of computer science and application development for at least five (5) years.
- • Previous work with WHO, other international organizations and/or major institutions in the field of diagnostics and artificial intelligence/machine learning ;
Desirable:
- • Familiarity with the laboratory network of HIV, TB, and COVID-19 in the Philippines
- • Experience in diagnostics optimization network, especially in the Philippines
SUBMISSIONS
Qualified and interested specialists should submit the following documents to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 24 February 2023
- • Company Profile {for institutional applications}
- • Technical proposal indicating solution, methodology and timelines, in addition to the below annexes:
- o Annex 1: Acknowledgement Form
- o Annex 2: Confidentiality Undertaking
- o Annex 3: Proposal Completeness Form
- o Annex 6: Self-Declaration Form
- • Financial proposal
Please use Tender Notice No. WPRO/2023-02/PHL/192164 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.
Last day of receiving queries for this tender is on 17 February 2023