Namibia has over the years provided evidence based antiretroviral therapy to people living with HIV and preventive care to those at risk of acquiring HIV. This has been achieved through consistent updating of the National ART Guidelines as new evidence becomes available and based on the global guidance provided by the World Health Organization.  The current national guideline was last revised and updated in 2019 with the pocket guideline developed in 2021 because the new recommendations were minimal and did not warrant revision of the main guideline.

Given the new development, fast emerging scientific guidance, and the period which has lapsed since the last update, it is imperative to review and update the treatment guideline. This is to ensure that they are responsive to the evolving landscape of HIV/AIDS care and treatment, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for individuals living with HIV/AIDS and better public health outcomes at the population to realise the goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

The objectives of the national ART guideline review are to:
i.    Optimize treatment efficacy by ensuring treatment guidelines reflects the effective treatment regimens.
ii.    Streamlining clinical practices to reflect simplified and streamlined approaches to ensure provision of high-quality care.
iii.    Address emerging challenges.
2.    Deliverables
The tasks to be conducted are outlined below.
With the overall goal to support country-led review and update of the national ART guideline 2019, the main tasks of the consultant encompass:
a.    Work closely with the lead consultant, Treatment Technical Working Group, the HIV Programme, and WHO country office focal point to ensure alignment with national policies and strategies as well as WHO Guidelines.
b.    Emphasis on public health approach – simplified and standardized approaches to ensure the widest possible access to high-quality services at the population level; and strike a balance between implementing the best-proven standard of care and what is feasible on a large scale in resource-limited settings.
c.    Support the lead consultant to analyze relevant national strategies and guidelines and propose priority actions to ensure continuum of care and improved patient outcome.
d.    Adapt the different service delivery approaches employed by other countries that are implementing the teal all strategy, to ensure increased access to ART particularly in limited resource settings.
e.    Jointly facilitate stakeholders’ meetings to ensure the process is consultative and inclusive to identify different service delivery methods that will help achieve improved testing, linkage to care, adherence to treatment and viral suppression.
f.    Support in finalizing the 7th Edition of the Consolidated ART Guidelines after incorporating the necessary changes and amendments into the document based on the stakeholders’ consultation meetings.

Deliverables
a)    Final and print ready 7th Edition of the Consolidated ART Guidelines
b)    Final report on the guideline revision process inclusive of challenges, lessons learned, and recommendation for the next review.

3.    Qualifications, experience, skills, and languages
Educational Qualifications
Essential: A university degree in medical sciences (MBChB or MBBS) or any related field from an accredited/recognized institution of high learning.

Desirable: Postgraduate training in Family medicine, Public Health, HIV management, Infectious diseases, or any related field from an accredited/recognized institution of high learning.

Experience
Essential :
–    At least two (2) years or more experience in HIV/AIDS guideline formulation and review.
–    Understanding of the Namibian Health Care System
–    Experience in HIV/AIDS service provision in Namibia both in the public and private sector.
–    Understanding of the WHO ART guideline guidance.
–    Demonstrated and strong facilitation and mentoring/coaching skills.

Desirable:
–    Expertise in HIV/AIDS program management in middle and upper-middle income countries.
–    Understanding of the WHO Guidelines development process.
–    Experience in engaging with multiple stakeholders including CSOs, NGOs and people living or affected by the disease.

Skills/Knowledge
–     Strong writing and presentation skills
–    Good knowledge in communication
Languages and level required:
–     Fluency in written and spoken English
4.    Technical Supervision
–    Dr Richard Banda, WR. bandar@who.int

5.    Location
Works in Namibia during the full duration of the consultancy period

On site: WCO Namibia and Ministry of Health and Social Services

Off site: _Remote__________
On site for insurance purposes: WCO Namibia. (This is where a duty travel is planned during the consultancy, but the consultant is being hired to work from home)
6.    Travel – If travel is involved, full medical clearance is required
Please specify any expected travel(s): dates, location, and purpose.

A living expense is payable to on-site consultants
7.    Remuneration and budget (travel costs excluded)

Currency (NAD): 73,494.33 NAD/month for 2 months