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Influenza is associated with an estimated 3–5 million cases of severe illness and as many as 650 000 respiratory-related deaths per year globally. Influenza vaccines are safe and effective. Vaccination is currently the most effective intervention for preventing severe disease and reducing the impact of influenza and has been found to be cost-effective in Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) priority groups. Influenza vaccination can protect people in at-risk groups, help maintain the health system during influenza epidemics and pandemics and provide a foundation for pandemic preparedness and response. During both the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, countries with an existing seasonal influenza vaccination programme were able to use the experience and systems developed from annual seasonal influenza vaccine production and administration to support introduction, deployment, and uptake of pandemic vaccines.
Within the context of the Global Influenza Strategy 2019–2030, WHO supports countries in developing and implementing national seasonal influenza vaccination policies for health and care workers, pregnant people, older adults, adults with chronic conditions, and other vulnerable populations.
The influenza vaccination situation in the EMR is varied, with some countries reporting having well established policies, programs, and strong supply of vaccine, whereas others having no policy or program and no supply systems; these differences may be due to resources, social, political, and economic variations. This makes a strong case for development of regional roadmap for strengthening of influenza vaccination policies and programs with a targeted approach to address the different contexts of influenza vaccine use and to strengthen the seasonal influenza vaccination programs in EMR.
The consultant needs to perform the following:
OUTPUT 1: Comprehensive review and updated national vaccine policies for 14 countries using the influenza vaccine policy brief and checklist
Deliverable 1.1: Conduct an initial review of the available national vaccine policies using the influenza vaccine policy brief and checklist. Deliver an initial report summarizing the current status, strengths, and gaps in each country's vaccine policy.
Deliverable 1.2: Organize and facilitate stakeholder consultation for 2 countries. Engage national health authorities, immunization program managers, and other relevant stakeholders to discuss findings from the initial review and gather input for policy updates.
Deliverable 1.3: Guide national decision-makers in enhancing the national vaccine policies for 2 countries based on the comprehensive review and stakeholder feedback. Ensure that the updated policies align with global best practices and WHO recommendations.
OUTPUT 2: Provide countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region with expert technical assistance to implement an influenza vaccination programme or include influenza vaccination in their national immunization programme
Deliverable 2.1: Organize meeting with decision-makers of 2 countries and guide them of the importance of integration of seasonal influenza vaccination into the routine national immunization services.
Deliverable 2.2: Develop a tailored technical assistance plan for countries, outlining specific actions and timelines to enhance integrate Influenza vaccination programs into broader immunization systems.
Essential: Master's level university degree in public health and epidemiology.
Essential:
Desirable:
Skills/Knowledge
Essential Excellent oral and written communication skills in English language.
Desirable Intermediate level of French Language is an asset.
Remotely
The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.
The selected Consultant will be expected to travel to countries of the Region upon request.
WHO EMRO - Infectious Hazard Preparedness Unit
This vacancy is archived.