1.Purpose of the Consultancy

The consultant, as part of the Integrated Communicable Disease (ICD) team at the WHO Country Office in Lao PDR, will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health, Center for HIV/AIDS and STIs (CHAS) and National Tuberculosis Control Center (NTC) in crucial activities that require additional specific technical inputs under the National Strategic Plans and Health and Nutrition Services Access Project II (HANSA) project.

2.Background

Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS remain a public health threat in Lao PDR. In 2024 WHO estimated approximately 9,900 new and relapsed cases (127/100,000 incidence rate) and 700 TB deaths while the TB treatment coverage rate reached 91% (8965 TB cases notified). Regarding the HIV situation, in 2024 there was an estimated 20,422 persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), among them 16,848 (82%) PLHIV were still alive, 13,169 (78%) were retained on ARV treatment and 12,884 (98%) were viral load suppressed. Hence, TB and HIV remain among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Lao PDR, especially among vulnerable and key populations. In line with the national policy to reach UHC in Lao PDR in 2025 and to End TB and HIV as part of the SDGs in 2030, it is very important to continue providing technical support in an integrated and dynamic manner for optimising TB and HIV programs interventions, particularly through the multi-stakeholder funded Health and Nutrition Services Access (HANSA 2) project 2024-2028. The service provider will provide comprehensive technical support for the CHAS and NTC through an integrated, health system strengthening approach.

This Terms of Reference (TOR) outlines the scope of work, expected deliverables, and required qualifications for the consultant, whose role will be pivotal in assisting Lao PDR to achieve TB/HIV Technical Assistance.

3.Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date:2 February 2026

End date: 31 July 2026

(6 months of consultancy)

4.Work to be performed

Method(s) to carry out the activity

Under the direct guidance of the Team Lead, Integrated Communicable Disease Unit at the WHO Country Office in Lao PDR, the consultant will closely work with the Ministry of Health, CHAS, NTC and partners to provide in-country technical support in following areas:

1.Review existing national strategic documents for HIV and STIs and revise according to the latest global and WHO consolidated guidelines

2.Together with WHO team and MoH monitor implementation and provide technical guidance for strengthening implementation and reporting

3.Review STI service delivery and access for key populations and generate recommendations for improved service delivery

The consultant will be expected to contribute to the achievement of the following outputs:

Outputs:

Output 1: Review and revision of national strategic documents for HIV/STI

• Deliverable 1.1: Revised National STIs Guidelines (current version: 2018), in line with the latest global and WHO consolidated guidelines and operational handbooks, with updated training material and Information Education Communication (IEC) for HIV, STIs and TB/HIV in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

• Deliverable 1.2: Finalized draft of the National OIs/ARV guidelines from the recently revised and nearly completed OIs/ARV guidelines, in line with the latest global and WHO consolidated guidelines and operational handbooks.

• Deliverable 1.3: Technical inputs for the National Strategy and Action Plan (NSAP) for HIV/AIDS and STI in 2026-2030including TB/HIV integration strategy plan 2026-2030 in line with the recent recommendation prioritization intervention from Mid-term Review (MTR) for TB and HIV in 2025.

Output 2: Technical guidance for strengthening implementation and reporting

·Deliverable 2.1: Technical guidance for CHAS and NTC focuses on integrating and decentralizing screening, diagnosis, and management of TB, HIV, STIs, and viral hepatitis across all service levels. The goal is to reach vulnerable and key populations with TB and people living with HIV/AIDS, supporting access and meeting HANSA2 Performance Based Conditions (PBCs) for TB and HIV.

• Deliverable 2.2: Technical guidance to ensure high pediatric ART coverage according to the recently developed pediatric ART coverage action plan.

• Deliverable 2.3: Updated specifications and timely quantification of HIV diagnostics, drugs and HIV health product for ensuring interrupted supply of health products.

Output 3: Program assessment and recommendations for improved service delivery

• Deliverable 3.1: Conduct a gap analysis for STI services in Lao PDR and generate recommendation to strengthen STI services in the Lao context

• Deliverable 3.2: Rapid assessment of gaps and methods for improving access for MSM and KPs across HIV/STI prevention, screening, and linkage to care.

The consultant is expected to submit a monthly report including progress on deliverables with agreed timeline.

The proposed Terms of Reference will be valid up to 6 months with renewals of the consultancy contract when needed, depending on the progress of the work and the government’s capacity and needs.

5.Specific requirements

Education qualifications:

Required: Bachelor’s degree in medicine, epidemiology, public health, health sciences or in a related field from a recognized university

Desirable:Postgraduate degree in Epidemiology or Public Health or a related field from a recognized tertiary institution

Experience:

Required: At least 7 years of work experience in the areas of public health.

Desirable:
- Experience working on TB, HIV, STV or similar communicable diseases.

- Work experience in Lao PDR and/or other countries in the Asia-Pacific Region
- Experience in working to support governments to achieve their public health goals.

- Experience in working with WHO/UN agencies.

Technical skills and knowledge:

Required: Experience in data analysis to monitor epidemiological trends, consultations with governments and multiple stakeholders, preparation and delivery of oral presentations to multiple stakeholders, and report writing.

Desirable:

-Technical expertise in the management of a public health programme with experience of designing and implementing TB and HIV-related activities.

-Extensive knowledge of TB case management and the interpretation of TB and HIV epidemiology in a public health context.

-Skills in writing proposals, planning, training, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of interventions, and in the development of locally adapted tools and instruments.

-Proven successful experience in leading GFTAM grant development and management.

-Proficiency in standard MS Office applications.

-Ability to interact with health professionals at various levels and to do work with national counterparts, nongovernmental organizations, and international agencies.

Language requirements:

A high level of proficiency in spoken and written English is essential

6.Competencies

·Producing Results

·Communication

·Teamwork

·Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

7.Place of assignment

The consultant will be based in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR with potentially having to undertake duty travel to provinces

8.Medical clearance

A medical clearance is required.

9.Travel

The consultant is expected to travel to Lao PDR and provide on-site support and due to the nature of support, teleworking will not be possible. Local travel within the country, where needed, will be arranged by WCO

10.Remuneration and budget

Remuneration: Band level B – USD 7,000-9,980 per month.