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Terms of Reference (ToR)

Topic: Assessment on Gonococci associated anti-microbial resistance & self-care among People Living with HIV

Place of Work: New Delhi / Remote

Division: HIV-Hepatitis-STI (HHS)

1. Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, is a growing public health concern due to the emergence and spread of resistance to multiple antibiotics used for treatment. The increasing threat of drug-resistant gonorrhea highlights the need to understand regional resistance patterns, emerging trends, surveillance systems, treatment guidelines, and gaps in research and public health responses.

“Self-care is the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider”. The scope of self-care includes (a) health promotion, (b) disease prevention and control, (c) self-medication, (d) providing care to dependent persons, (e) seeking hospital/specialist/primary care if necessary and (f) rehabilitation, including palliative care. World Health Organization (WHO) considering the gap in health care providers work force and the increasing out of pocket expenditure, suggested for innovative health sector response. One of such innovative practice, includes, Self-care.

A comprehensive literature review will be undertaken to synthesize available evidence on gonorrhea-associated AMR in South-East Asia Region and self-care among PLHIV in India. The findings will inform stakeholder discussions and support the identification of evidence gaps, programmatic priorities, and potential areas for strengthening surveillance, research, and response strategies.

2. Objective of the Assignment

·        To explore and understand the prevalence of gonococcal infection, associated antimicrobial resistance and surveillance system in WHO South-East Asian Region.

·        To develop a proposal on self-care among PLHIV, for an integrated self-care model

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following activities:

3.1. Conduct a literature review

·        Develop a literature search strategy and identify relevant databases, publications, and other sources of evidence.

·        Review peer-reviewed articles, national reports, surveillance data, treatment guidelines, and publications from relevant public health agencies and international organizations.

·        Examine available evidence on the prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae across countries in the region.

·        Review resistance to antibiotics used to treat gonorrhea, including ceftriaxone and other relevant antibiotics.

·        Summarize emerging resistance trends, resistance mechanisms, and relevant research findings.

·        Review existing AMR surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, diagnostic methods, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing practices.

·        Examine national treatment guidelines and public health responses to drug-resistant gonorrhea.

·        Identify gaps in available evidence, surveillance, and research, highlighting differences in data availability across countries.

·        Prepare a draft report presenting the findings, key observations, and recommendations, with appropriate references.

3.2. Presentation of Findings

·        Develop a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the key findings, regional and country-level trends, evidence gaps, and recommendations.

·        Present the findings to the team and/or relevant stakeholders and incorporate initial feedback, as required, in preparation for stakeholder consultation.

3.3. Stakeholder Consultation

·        Preparation of materials for a stakeholder consultation on the literature review findings.

·        Present or support the presentation of key findings during the consultation.

·        Document stakeholder feedback, validate key findings, and capture additional evidence, perspectives, and recommendations emerging from the discussion.

3.4. Finalization of Deliverables

·        Revise the literature review report and PowerPoint presentation based on feedback received during the stakeholder consultation.

·        Submit the final versions of the report and presentation, incorporating agreed changes and ensuring consistency, technical accuracy, and appropriate referencing.

4. Expected Deliverables and Timeline

The assignment will be undertaken over two months, from 1 November to 31 December 2026.Deliverable

Expected timeline

Literature search strategy and review framework

Week 1

Draft literature review report

Weeks 2–3

Draft PowerPoint presentation

Week 4

Stakeholder consultation and documentation of feedback

Weeks 5-6

Final report and revised PowerPoint presentation

Weeks 7-8

The exact consultation date will be agreed with the team.

5. Qualifications and Experience

·        Postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in Microbiology, Basic Sciences, Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, Epidemiology, or another relevant discipline.

·        Demonstrated experience in conducting literature reviews, evidence synthesis, or scientific research.

·        Familiarity with antimicrobial resistance, preferably antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae or other sexually transmitted infections.

·        Strong skills in scientific writing, critical appraisal of research literature, and synthesis of technical evidence.

·        Experience developing technical reports and PowerPoint presentations for scientific or public health audiences.

·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

·        Experience engaging with technical experts and public health stakeholders will be an advantage.

6. Duration

The assignment will be for two months (November–December 2026). The consultant will work closely with the designated project team and submit deliverables according to the agreed timeline.

7. Reporting

The consultant will report to the designated project lead or technical focal point. The project team will provide feedback on the draft deliverables and coordinate the stakeholder consultation.

8. Expected Outputs

By the end of the assignment, the consultant will submit:

·        A literature search strategy and evidence review framework.

·        A draft and final literature review report on gonorrhea-associated antimicrobial resistance in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

·        A PowerPoint presentation of the key findings and recommendations revised following stakeholder consultation.