Consultancy to support the development of an information application (APP) tool for WHO guidelines on HIV testing services

NEW: Answers to Questions for Bidders are published on the 28 June 2017, under Documents.

1. INTRODUCTION

In 2013, WHO published the first consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV treatment and prevention across all age groups and populations. The guidelines are available at: http://www.who.int/hiv/pub/guidelines/arv2013/download/en/. The guidelines were published in short and long versions to address the needs of policymakers and practitioners/implementers in target countries. They were translated into 5 languages (English, French, Russian, Spanish, Chinese) in the long format, and into 7 languages (English, French, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese) in the short format that were downloaded in large quantities via WHO website. The guidelines were broadly disseminated at global and international HIV conferences in 2013-2015 and many countries are followed to adopt into their national HIV guidance and protocols.

A comprehensive revision of these guidelines based on new scientific evidence and lessons from implementation has been undertaken in 2015 and full guidelines are expected to be published in early 2016. WHO made two key recommendations of the guidelines available on an early-release basis in September 2015. The Guideline on when to start antiretroviral therapy and on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV is now available at http://www.who.int/hiv/pub/guidelines/earlyrelease-arv/en/ and has also become a widely regarded source by HIV policymakers, being accessed 12746 times and downloaded 4103 times on HIV website, during the first week of the release.

Despite their popularity on WHO websites, many end-users, including WHO staff in countries and regions, there is still miss critical information contained in these guidelines. In order make the guidelines even more accessible and user-friendly, and to facilitate more efficient support to countries in adapting and implementing these guidelines, the HIV department is embarking on a process to develop an APP product for mobile devices to complement the 2015 guidelines on the use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV treatment and prevention.  We are seeking prospective suppliers to produce the APP in consultation with the Department of HIV/AIDS.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

I. Purpose of this assignment

The main aim of this consultancy is to develop an APP tool for WHO ARV guidelines for better dissemination and use by target audiences in countries and regions, specifically programme managers and clinicians in countries. In order to develop the APP, the selected consultancy will need to conduct a brief usability survey among end-users to define specific functionalities and features of the suitable APP product in consultation with the HIV department.

The WHO HTS APP aims to provide interactive access to users to all essential WHO resources on HTS, HST, PN as well as tools offered by partner agencies. The information scope can include: key messages, key recommendations, implementation of the policies, coverage levels, information on availability and access to HTS/HST tools in specific regions and countries, with possibility to send update alerts and messages if needed (ie. major change in policy, or major breakthorough in science, or major announcements on diagnostic tools, test kits)

Target audience: HIV programme managers, staff of the partner agencies, clinicians, health workers, lay health workers, NGO staff, but not necessarily direct HTS clients

II. Scope of Work

The assignment is from 31 July 2017 to 31 December 2017.

III. Outputs

1 (a) Conducting an end-user survey among end users of the WHO guidelines on HIV testing services and tool kits to identify their needs, preferences for an app tool (by end August 2017)

• Develop a survey in discussion with HIV group

  • Conduct approved survey among target end users

    1 (b) Based on the findings, defining and agreeing with WHO HIV technical team on the end objective, target users, key features and project timelines for the development of the APP

     

    2 (a). Producing the app, which includes the following features in addition to those identified based on the survey: (by end October 2017)

• Providing in-app search function

• Options to print pdfs

• Hyperlinking all references within app

• Providing links to user support line

• Providing links to support tools, power point, and videos

• Easily links to translations

• Possibility to use on different types of mobile devices (Android, Iphone, Ipads)

2 (b). Coordinating with WHO for publishing clearances, production and ongoing maintenance of the APP post-release until the next update of the guidelines (By end October 2017)

3) Providing user statistics and feedback reports on a monthly basis to analyze user preferences and need for improvements (Monthly reporting until end December 2017)

IV. Timeframe & Deliverables

1. Deliverable 1: User survey (by end August 2017)

2. Deliverable 2: Final app approved and disseminated through WHO (By end October 2017)

3. Deliverable 3: Continued support (until end December 2017

V. Performance monitoring

The contractor’s work will be supervised by Cheryl Johnson, Key Populations and Innovative Prevention Technical Officer and Tunga Namjilsuren who leads Communications. Both are staff in the WHO Department for HIV and Hepatitis.

The detailed timeframe above includes deliverables and milestones, against which performance will be monitored on a monthly basis.

VI. Location and Travel

The contractor is expected to work remotely, with regular communication with the WHO technical focal points for this work.  Physical presence in Geneva may be required a few times during the assignment. Any duty travel related to this assignment will be organized separately, following the WHO Rules and Regulations on duty travel (not to be included in the proposal budget). The Contractor shall verify that all Contractor Personnel is legally entitled to travel to the country or countries where the work is to be carried out, including Switzerland.

3. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSIGNMENT

Experience

Essential: Previous track record of developing successful APPs.

Desirable: Experience in developing apps for public health education and information, with demonstrated ability to reach out to key stakeholders, international partner collaboration, excellent communication and writing skills in English, familiarity and experience with the International Organizations. Previous work experience with WHO or other international institutions in the field of HIV or Hepatitis would be an asset.

4. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS   

No later than 3 July 2017, 12:00 CET the bidder shall submit by email a bid:

1.  A letter of motivation outlining relevant experience as mentioned under section 3. This letter also needs to indicate the daily consultancy rate and total cost. Any cost related to the assignment need to be reflected into the daily rate except for travel as indicated under section 2.

2. Updated and detailed curriculum vitae of consultant(s).

A prospective bidder requiring any clarification on technical, contractual or commercial matters may notify WHO via email at the following address no later than 23 June 2017 (17:00 CET) using the form attached.

Email for submissions of questions and proposal: pdifin@who.int (use subject: Bid Ref 2015/HTM/HIV/009)

Mailing address for submission of proposal:

World Health Organization

Mr. Jerome Peron

HQ/HIV, PDI/FIN, D45034

Bid Ref: 2017/HTM/HIV/009

20, Avenue Appia

CH-1211 Geneva 27

Switzerland