Case studies on climate resilient and low carbon health systems

Technical support to accelerate the implementation of the upcoming WHO Conceptual and Operational Framework for Building Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Health Systems in the Western Pacific Region. This will involve literature search, desktop reviews, and knowledge sharing – publication in a peer-reviewed academic journal.

BACKGROUND

Over the past 50 years, human activities have released significant amounts of greenhouse gases, impacting the global climate. The healthcare sector is globally challenged by climate change and environmental threats, adding to the burden faced by WHO Member States in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) as they strive to provide equitable and effective healthcare. This sector itself contributes 4.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through supply chains, transportation, heating, ventilation, and waste management. To address this, there is a need for a comprehensive approach to develop environmentally sustainable alternatives in healthcare operations.

Adopting a climate-resilient, sustainable, low-carbon healthcare system model aligns with WHO's global policy recommendations and supports Member States' efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Agreement targets. The WHO's 2020 Guidance on Climate-Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Health Care Facilities advises Member States to regulate, develop, construct, and retrofit healthcare facilities using low-carbon approaches for climate resilience and sustainability.

Building climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems is a top priority for the Region's future vision and WHO's global agenda. This approach integrates climate change considerations, addresses environmental determinants of health, and implements disaster risk reduction strategies. The upcoming WHO Conceptual and Operational Framework provides guidance for health systems and public health programmes in protecting health amidst a changing climate. As climate change and the environment are thematic priorities in the Western Pacific Region's vision, WHO/ACE will support Member States in anticipating, preventing, preparing for, and managing climate-related health risks. This includes promoting decarbonization of the infrastructure, energy supply, supply chain, equipment, and medical products to private sector as well. 

WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health (WHO/ACE) is seeking expert – from academic institute/research institute/think tank – to collect and write an academic article of case studies on climate resilient and low carbon health systems and supply chains from the Western Pacific Region.

REQUIREMENTS/WORK TO BE PERFORMED

Output 1: Conduct a literature search to understand WPR Member States’ effort to date on strengthening health sector’s climate resilience and environmental sustainability, and reducing carbon footprint – including decarbonization of the infrastructure, energy supply, supply chain, equipment, and medical products.

Deliverable 1.1: Study protocol

Deliverable 1.2: Draft manuscript, academic article, based on the case studies identified

Deliverable 1.3: Final manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal

Output 2: Present study findings at WHO internal/external knowledge sharing events

Deliverable 2.1: Presentation materials, including infographics and slides, on climate resilient and environmentally sustainable, low carbon health systems for internal and external use

Deliverable 2.2: Present findings at WHO internal/external knowledge sharing event

CHARACTERISTICS OF CONTRACTOR

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in climate change, environmental science, public health (health systems), environmental engineering, or a related field.

Desirable: Doctorate university degree (PhD. or equivalent) in climate change, environmental science, public health (health systems), environmental engineering, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Research experience in climate change impact on health.

Desirable: Knowledge and research experience in the Western Pacific Region. Experience working with international organizations is an asset.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Excellent communication and coordination skills

Good knowledge and skills in writing technical report and academic paper and structural thinking

Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in climate change, environment and health and policy development is essential

LANGUAGES

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Expert knowledge of Chinese, Korean, Japanese.

SUBMISSIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit the following documents to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 5 September 2023

• • Curriculum Vitae {for individual contractors/for team members} or Company Profile {for institutional applications}
• • Cover letter. The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this bid.
• • Proposal indicating methodology, timelines and cost

Please use Tender Notice No. 209955 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Last day of receiving queries for this tender is on 29 August 2023