Strengthen the implementation of HIV prevention interventions
The National Family Planning Board, a Statutory Agency of the Ministry of Health & Wellness, is seeking to identify a motivated, result-oriented and qualified individual consultant to:
The incumbent will report directly to the Principal Director. He/she will collaborate with the Health Promotion and Prevention Unit (HPPU)
BACKGROUND
The National Family Planning Board (NFPB), has the role of technical lead for the development, monitoring and implementation of the Family Planning/HIV/STI Prevention services and programmes undertaken by stakeholders in the national response. Included in this mandate is the identification of new HIV cases through increased testing uptake among key and vulnerable populations.
HIV Prevalence
Jamaica has features of both a generalized and concentrated HIV epidemic. According to Spectrum 2019 model estimates and case-based surveillance data estimate, there are over 32,000 persons living with HIV in Jamaica of whom, approximately 14% are thought to be unaware of their status. In the general population, HIV prevalence is estimated to be 1.4% (2021, MOHW). The proportion of newly diagnosed males and females were roughly equal with the females accounting for slightly less than half (49.5%). Males who were newly diagnosed accounted for 50.4%, with the age group 20-29-year old accounting for the largest proportion (25.8%).
The prevalence among key population remains significantly higher than the general population such as MSM at 29.3% (MSM Survey, 2018). HIV prevalence amongst Female Sex Workers has been reduced from 12% in the 1990s to 4.1% in the 2014 and now stands at 2% according to the PLACE MOH bio-behavioural survey conducted in 2017 (FSW Survey, 2017).
The HIV prevalence among young adolescent girls and boys aged 10-14 is similar (females slightly higher) and is estimated to be 0.1%, predominantly the result of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (UNAIDS, 2014). The HIV prevalence in later adolescence (15 – 19 years) is estimated to increase, corresponding with the onset of sexual initiation; and a further increase by the age of 24, corresponding with increased sexual behaviour as well as the survival and transition of HIV- infected adolescents into the early adult years.
HIV Prevention Programme
In the context of the English-speaking Caribbean, Jamaica has the highest proportion of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) who are aware of their status. This achievement has been attributed to community-based prevention and testing modalities and the wide spread introduction of provider-initiated testing and counselling (PITC) (UNAIDS, 2018). There are several variations to these interventions based on the target population.
Currently, outreach workers across the island (MOHW and CSOs) have been carrying out (i) mobile site-based outreach in bars, night clubs, exotic club, massage parlors, and hotel / motel / guest houses and more infrequently at parks, street sites, malls/plaza, (ii) home-based index testing at private residences, (iii) HTC at outdoor and indoor events, (iv) ad hoc testing campaigns such as health fairs and (v) workplace and schools interventions. These interventions are in a bid to propel the HIV response forward in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people living with HIV diagnosed, 95% of diagnosed people on antiretroviral treatment and 95% of people in treatment achieving viral suppression by 2025.
Data, however, points to the need for increased targeted intervention within the following key groups to reduce the incidences of new HIV cases through behaviour change activities and strategies: men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), transgender people (TG), People living with HIV (PLWHIV), homeless drug users, youth and adolescents. The prevention activities undertaken within the Regional Health Authorities, coordinated by the National Family Planning Board to address the needs of the key and vulnerable populations include:
- Outreach, venue-based and site-based interventions and linking HIV positives to care and treatment;
- Implementing behavioral change interventions including: (i) HIV and STI education; (ii) Promotion of HIV testing to increase acceptability and uptake (iii) building self-efficacy and life skills; and (iv) providing education and linkages to health care and social services;
- Scaling-up of peer outreach and testing of key and vulnerable populations by strengthening partnerships with civil society organizations;
- Providing the prevention package of services and intervention strategies to maintain quality and avoid duplication;
- Promoting and providing condoms and lubricants, and skills building around the utilization of safer sex commodities for MSM, Transgender and FSWs;
- Piloting the implementation of new, innovative strategies targeting key and vulnerable populations and making relevant revisions based on new evidence, local and international data and best practices;
- Testing of inmates in correctional facilities and facilitating timely linkage to care.
In a bid to strengthen the National HIV Prevention Response it is imperative to engage a consultant to strengthen the implementation of HIV prevention interventions for key and vulnerable populations to increase coverage and access to HIV testing.
Technical responsibilities will include
- Develop a communication programme for the scale up of PrEP for the national response
- Support the implementation of selected strategies in the RHAs as guided by findings from the evaluation of National HIV Prevention strategy
- Develop Quality Indicators for effective implementation of prevention interventions including monitoring tools
- Coordinate with NFPB to build the capacity of the Regional Health Authorities team in data analysis and application in programme monitoring and implementation.
- Collaborate with MER team to monitor DHIS2 system and strengthen feedback mechanism to the RHA
Required Competencies
Core
- Strong analytical, planning and organizing skills
- Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills
- Excellent time management skills
- Strong communication skills and a demonstrated ability to build consensus and work with inter-disciplinary teams
- Ability to analyze data and utilize evidence from research and evaluation to improve programme implementation
- Ability to build relationships with Government and CSOs
Technical:
- Working knowledge of Behaviour Change, Public Health and Curriculum Development
- Experience in working with HIV Prevention
- Experience in training and development.
Minimum Required Education and Experience:
- Master’s Degree in Social and Behaviour Change Communication, Marketing, Health Promotion or any related field
- 5-7 years’ experience working in Health, Community Development and Communication
Expected Duration of Assignment
This consultancy is expected to last approximately 5 months commencing from the date of contract signing by both parties.
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Interested persons should submit their application letter along with resume no later than
March 31, 2022 via email to procurement@jnfpb.org
Applications must be addressed to:
The Procurement Officer
National Family Planning Board
5 Sylvan Avenue
Kingston 5
We thank all applicants for responding; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.