The consultant, as part of the Integrated Communicable Disease (ICD) team at the WHO Country Office in Lao PDR, will provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Lao PDR, in strengthening program strategy and coordination to ensure full implementation of the Malaria National Strategic Plan interventions. Additionally, the consultant will contribute to the preparation for the certification of malaria elimination, including subnational verification, prevention of re-establishment of transmission (POR) and integration of malaria into the broader health system. 

Background

Malaria elimination in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) has seen significant progress over the past two decades, transitioning from a high-burden setting to one on the verge of elimination. In 2014, Lao PDR reported approximately 50,000 malaria cases, resulting in considerable morbidity, disruptions to livelihoods, and preventable deaths. Through a combination of targeted interventions and strengthened health systems, the incidence of malaria has been dramatically reduced to less than 350 cases (Jan-Nov 2024). Lao PDR is on track to meet it’s target  of eliminating Plasmodium falciparum malaria by 2025 and all malaria by 2030. 

Key factors contributing to this achievement include:

• Strong and expansive surveillance system, covering all health centres as well as a network of >2000 village malaria workers conducting community-based surveillance in the highest risk communities. An integrated electronic malaria information system, [District Health Information System, version 2 (DHIS2)], is in place, enabling real-time case reporting, outbreak detection, rapid responses and generation of data for decision-making. 
• Improved case management uses rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and microscopy for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment with artesunate combination therapy and Pv radical cure according to G6PD status.
• Enhanced case and outbreak response using the “1-3-7” strategy in elimination areas and plans in 2025 to include reactive drug administration and Pv serological test and treat (PvSeroTAT) deployed rapidly to halt transmission in burden-reduction areas.
• Vector Control Ensuring widespread access to long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLIN) for high-risk populations in endemic areas and targeted use of indoor residual spraying among outreach communities with village transmission.
  Innovative strategies such as target drug administration and intermittent preventative treatment for forest goers were successfully deployed in 2022-2024 and resulted in an impressive impact on the malaria burden.

To further consolidate these achievements and accelerate the path toward malaria elimination, Lao PDR seeks to recruit a qualified consultant. The consultant will provide technical expertise and strategic guidance to address gaps, enhance existing programs and strategies, prepare for malaria elimination verification, prevention of reintroduction and integration into the broader health system. 

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 its malaria elimination goal.

Deliverables

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 provide in-country technical support in following areas:

1. Strengthen program strategy and coordination to ensure full implementation of Malaria National Strategic Plan interventions; and
2. Support the MoH to prepare for the certification of malaria elimination, including subnational verification, prevention of reestablishment of transmission (POR) and integration of malaria into the broader health system. 

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

Output 1: Surveillance and response coordination, programme management
Deliverable 1.1: Support the national programme, UNV and SSAs to conduct epidemiological and programmatic data reviews to identify gaps, challenges and methods for strengthening current/future program implementation of the enhanced surveillance and outbreak response activities including reactive drug administration and PvSeroTAT; 
Deliverable 1.2: Support CMPE to review outcome and impact data and via a consultative process, revise and strengthen current strategies for malaria elimination. Support CMPE to develop SOPs and tools to implement the revised strategies;
Deliverable 1.3: Support CMPE and partners to update the malaria risk stratification data and based on the results, review and revise the ‘Elimination Surveillance and Response Guidelines’; and
Deliverable 1.4: Support CMPE and WHO colleagues in strengthening laboratory capacity for microscopy and PCR by supporting strategy development and programmatic monitoring and evaluation. 

Output 2: Preparation for the certification of malaria elimination
Deliverable 2.1: Support CMPE, DCDC and subnational levels to prepare documents, tools and dossiers for the subnational verification for malaria elimination certification; 
Deliverable 2.2: Support CMPE, DCDC and subnational levels to review and strengthen the POR guidelines and tools. Support the development of the provincial-level POR plan with an action plan for implementation in the province, which will pilot the POR; and
Deliverable 2.3: Support CMPE, DCDC and subnational levels to develop a clear action plan, with roles, responsibilities and timelines for integration of malaria services into the broader health system. 

The consultant is expected to submit a monthly report including deliverables with agreed timeline. 
The proposed Terms of Reference will be valid up to 11 months with renewals of the consultancy contract when needed, depending on the progress of the work and the government’s capacity and needs. 

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Education qualifications: 

Essential: 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:

Essential: At least 5 years of work experience in the areas of public health.  
Desirable: Experience working on malaria or elimination of other communicable diseases. Work experience in Lao PDR and/or other developing 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.

Skills and knowledge:

Essential: 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: Familiarity in the development of technical strategies for disease elimination. Familiarity in reviewing and revising guidelines. Familiarity of health information systems e.g. DHIS2 

Language requirements:

Essential: Expert knowledge of spoken and written English.

Location

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

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

Remuneration and budget

Remuneration: Band level B, USD 7,000 – 8,000 per month.
Duration: 3 months, April to June 2025

Additional Information:

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