Consultant- Antimicrobial Resistance

Purpose of the Consultancy

The consultant will be based at the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), Vientiane, Lao PDR and provide technical assistance in developing and implementing structured programs for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and technical support in the bacteriology laboratory in NCLE.

Background

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is currently one of the major priorities in the global public health. The Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance urges all Member States as part of national actions to develop systems for monitoring antimicrobial use and promote effective antimicrobial stewardship programs at national, health facility and community level. Antimicrobial stewardship is a coordinated program that promotes the appropriate use of antimicrobials (including antibiotics), improves patient outcomes, reduces microbial resistance, and decreases the spread of infections caused by resistant microorganisms.

Since 2015, AMR has gained significant attention at a high level in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), underpinned by external advocacy by international partners. The AMR Surveillance and Control Committee was set up in 2015 to move the AMR agenda forward, noting that AMR is a complex issue which requires multiple sectors and stakeholders at all levels to work together. Lao PDR has capacity to detect some antimicrobial-resistant pathogens at various institutions and some regulatory frameworks exist to manage antibiotic use in humans.

A national action plan on AMR in the Lao PDR was drafted in November 2016. The draft plan includes a number of priority actions that will address the above-mentioned gaps, especially strengthen bacteriology laboratory capacity to support AMR surveillance.

Planned timelines

Start date: 01/04/2019

End date: 30/09/2019

Applications

Attached is the Terms of Reference. Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at wproungm@who.int by 22 March 2019. Only individual contractors will be considered.

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. 85064 as subject to all submission.  Only successful candidates will be contacted.