Thursday, December 19, 2013

VACANCY: ADB/World Bank Big Cities Project Team Lead

TITLE: TEAM LEADER, HIV PREVENTION IN BIG CITIES PROJECT, PHILIPPINES 
(National Full Time)
DEPARTMENT: ASIA AND EAST EUROPE
DATE: DECEMBER 2013 

PSI is a leading global health organization with programs targeting malaria, child survival, HIV and reproductive health. Working in partnership within the public and private sectors, and harnessing the power of the markets, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical services and behavior change communications that empower the world's most vulnerable populations to lead healthier lives.

PSI's core values are a belief in markets and market mechanisms to contribute to sustained improvements in the lives of the poor; results and a strong focus on measurement; speed and efficiency with a predisposition to action and an aversion to bureaucracy; decentralization and empowering our staff at the local level; and a long term commitment to the people we serve. PSI has programs in approximately 65 countries.  For more information, please visit www.psi.org.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank (WB) have agreed to jointly support the Government of Philippines  in implementing the 5th AIDS Medium-Term Plan (AMTP V), particularly in generating evidence on cost-effective and high impact HIV prevention interventions in the Philippines, focusing on HIV service models for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu, and interventions addressing HIV transmission and drug demand for people who inject drugs (PWID) in Metro Cebu. The Philippines Department of Health (DOH), as the main recipient of this technical assistance, facilitates the implementation of the project and performs review and oversight functions. ADB, who administers the project, has engaged Population Services International (PSI) to provide technical support to the DOH, and develop and implement the project activities in collaboration with its partner, the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare (PNGOC).

PSI seeks an experienced Team Leader (TL) to lead the implementation of the project as contracted to PSI and PNGOC. The team leader should have significant leadership, management and development experience; a demonstrated track record of managing relationships with government; and working with Community Based Organizations of key populations especially Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and People Who Inject Drugs (PWID). Experience in behavior change communication with a focus on concentrated epidemics is highly desirable. The position reports to the PSI Deputy Regional Director for Asia and East Europe, with a dotted line reporting to the PNGOC Executive Director. This position is open only to Filipino nationals and is based in Metro Manila. 


RESPONSIBILITIES:

The TL will be responsible for the overall project direction and management. S/he will oversee the project implementation in close coordination with the Director of the Bureau of International Health Cooperation (BIHC) who is the project manager for DOH. The TL will undertake the following tasks:

1.     Act as the focal person of the project to coordinate with the DOH.
2.     Provide programmatic oversight and strategic leadership for the project.
3.     Performs the role of the ADB grant manager in close collaboration and direction from PSI/Washington or any other office of PSI, as assigned.
4.     Ensures rapid scale up of the project with assistance and close collaboration from Project Coordinator and Deputy Regional Director of PSI.
5.     Provide supervision and technical guidance to the project staff, including staff of the community based organizations (CBO) that may be subcontracted.
6.     Coordinate with the DOH technical units for HIV/AIDS for the smooth implementation of the project.
7.     Ensure regular liaison, progress update meetings and collaboration with the local government units (LGUs) and Centers for Health Development (CHD) and other key stakeholders, as required.
8.     In concert with the project coordinator, ensure that all activities and actions are consistent with ADB, WB, and PSI policies, protocols and regulations.
9.     Ensure formal and documented approval of project activities at the national and local levels.
10.  Ensure complete and on-time submission of technically sound, formal written reports and other project documents as required by PSI.
11.  Provide technical support as needed to the project associates based at BIHC, National STD-AIDS Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP), and National Epidemiology Center (NEC) to ensure completion of project deliverables.
12.  Coordinate with the PSI Project Coordinator for quality assurance in project implementation and for proper and timely disbursement of funds to PNGOC.
13.   Conduct regular meetings in order to review project accomplishments with the PNGOC project team in preparation for submission of the monthly progress reports and other project reports and documents to PSI.


QUALIFICATIONS:

The TL should have an advanced degree in public health, social sciences or related field or its equivalent. The position requires at least 10 years of public health experience, including at least three years in Asia in HIV prevention, and as team leader of HIV projects. Work experience in the Philippines with the DOH or any other Southeast Asia country is necessary. Experience in working on MSM and PWID issues, including prison settings, is preferred.

Please apply with detailed CV and Cover letter to asiaadmin@psi.org.  The last date for applications will be 10 January 2014.

Monday, December 16, 2013

UNAIDS supports yearend review of Quezon City and Manila

In the last two weeks, at least two cities in the National Capital Region, Quezon City and the City of Manila, with high reported incidence of HIV have held UNAIDS-supported programme implementation review to identify how they can level up/scale up their ongoing response to HIV. This is in aid of developing site specific investment options.

Philippine CSOs discuss key issues in the AIDS Law amendment

On December 13, representatives of different Civil Society Organizations (CSO) from around the country heald a UNAIDS-supported national consultation to discuss their position on the controversial  provisions in some of the bills filed at the Lower House of Congress to amend the 1998 AIDS Law and tackle  the issue of community testing, among others.

Philippine Congress tackle ammendments to the AIDS law

In Observance of World AIDS Day (WAD), December 2, a parliamentarian in the House of Representatives Honorable Ibarra M. Gutierrez III of the Akbayan Citizens' Action Party, who filed a bill to amend the 1998 AIDS Law gave a privilege speech on HIV and the need to update the law. At least 4 other authors opened the "Yest to Test", a three day Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) in the grounds of the House of Representatives, by taking an HIV test and speak against stigma and discrimination.

On December 10, the House of representatives' Committe on Health heard the seven (7) bills filed on HIV and agreed to the consolidation of the bills through the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the main authors. Members of Parliament who were in attendance of the Committee meeting signified their interest to co-author the consolidated bill. UNAIDS was invited to provide comments to the bills based on policies and evidence.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Lani Mercado, fellow solons get tested for HIV

BY ANGELA CASAUAY
POSTED ON 12/02/2013 2:21 PM  | UPDATED 12/02/2013 3:28 PM

MANILA, Philippines – There's no shame in getting tested.

To raise awareness on HIV prevention, 3 members of the House of Representatives underwent free HIV testing and counseling at a mobile clinic parked at the House of Representatives on Monday, December 2.

World AIDS Day was celebrated on Sunday, December 1.

Representatives Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr (Ifugao), Barry Gutierrez (Akbayan), and Lani Mercado-Revilla (Cavite) said they did this to highlight the importance of voluntary testing.

"What we did today is an attempt to show that there should be no stigma attached to HIV testing, to HIV treatment, to the spread and dissemination of HIV-related information and education," Gutierrez said. "We hope to take the crucial first steps towards preventing any further increase and hopefully to get us back on track on dealing with HIV."

Read more here:
http://www.rappler.com/nation/45043-solons-hiv-aids-test

Friday, November 29, 2013

Resource Mobilization for Local HIV Response , the case of Quezon City

UNAIDS Philippines partnered with The Library Foundation (TLF), an MSM advocacy group, to strengthen local governance capacity of key affected populations to work with local governments in six Category A cities (cities with highest reported new HIV infection). 

The interactive workshop from 26 to 29 November 2013 on “Bridging the divide between the HIV response and good local governance” involved local political mapping, development of HIV-supportive local policies/ordinances and budget advocacy to increase funding for its local HIV response through the bottom-up budget initiative of the government's Local Poverty Reduction Program (LPRP).  

Quezon City (QC) shared how it assessed the resource needs of the city, developed an investment plan, and managed to secure additional P11 million ($275,000) from LPRP for its local AIDS response focused on MSM services. Historically, QC allocates only P5 million annually.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Ban Ki Moon's Special Envoy advocates rapid action to address fast increasing HIV epidemic in the Philippines


The United Nations Secretary Generals’ Special Envoy on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific Prasada Rao visited the Philippines at the end of August to advocate for a scaled up response to HIV in the country.

After more than 20 years of low rates of new HIV infections, the Philippines is now seeing an increase in the number of new HIV infections among key populations at high risk in certain geographical sites. For example, the HIV prevalence among people who use drugs in Cebu—one of the most populated areas in the country—went form 0.6% to 53% between 2009-2011. Similarly, the HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men in 2011 was as high as 6% in Quezon City and 5% in Cebu—the HIV prevalence among the general population in the country was less than 0.1%. According to the Philippines Department of Health, there has been a 523% increase in new cases compared to 2008.

Speaking at the Executive Committee Meeting of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) Mr Rao urged increased leadership and rapid action to stem the spread of the epidemic. He also noted that policies, plans, antiretroviral treatment and HIV prevention technologies are all available and within reach to ensure progress on reversing current trends.

During a meeting with Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, who also heads the government’s National Economic and Development Authority, Mr Rao emphasized the need for greater government investment on HIV, noting that current prevention investments of US$ 8 million - US$ 10 million per year fall short of the estimated need of at least US$ 40 million per year.

Secretary Balisacan agreed that investing now in HIV prevention will lead to savings in HIV treatment costs in the future and shared that both he and the President of the Philippines, Benigno C. Aquino III, have requested the Health Secretary to present a ‘prevention strategy’ for the Health agenda, including the issue of HIV.

Quotable
We must raise awareness about the risk of increased epidemic spread if proper response measures are not adopted immediately. There is also a need to agree on high priority areas to allocate resources with a definite focus on key populations at highest risk.  
Prasada Rao, United Nations Secretary Generals’ Special Envoy for AIDS in Asia and the Pacific

We are seeing a fast and furious increase in HIV infections. We need to prioritize and to scale up the response in a more coordinated manner. What’s important is that our government, whether national or local, should lead in the response and be able to accept the fact that we need to do something and we have to do it fast.  
Ferchito Avelino, Executive Director of the Philippine National AIDS Council

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

A dialogue on "Getting to Zero" held

"Getting to Zero: A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Treatment Sustainability" meeting was held.  Over 40 participants from PLHIV network leaders, AIDS treatment hubs, and government AIDS programme, met for first time to address treatment needs of PLHIV; identify current community and national responses, and agree on next steps to move forward proposed actions towards treatment sustainability for PLHIV. Generic Pharma Company committed to work with PLHIV community and government to ensure quality affordable medicines for PLHIV as part of its advocacy on “right to health”.  An example of concrete follow-up is the negotiating price reduction for HPV vaccine for women living with HIV.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Ban Ki Moon's Special Envoy meets PNAC Execom

The UN Secretary General's Special Envoy on HIV and AIDS for Asia and the Pacific, Mr JVR Prasada Rao, speaking at the Executive Committee Meeting of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), the Philippines highest policy making body on AIDS, 28 August 2013.

He emphasized that the country's current HIV problem is not insurmountable, noting that policies, plans, drugs and prevention technologies are all available and within reach.  He called for stronger political will to simply do what needs to be done, including improving quality and accessibility of services, increasing resources, and allocating these to programmes that would make an impact on the trajectory of the epidemic.

(seated l-r: Dr Ferchito Avelino, Director of the PNAC Secretariat; Ms Luiza Carvalho, UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines; Dr. Janette Garin, Undersecretary of the Department of Health; Mr Rao; Ms Teresita Marie Bagasao, UNAIDS Country Coordinator; Dr Annie Innumerable, Head of Quezon City Health Department)

Mr JVR Prasada Rao, UN Secretary General's Special Envoy on HIV and AIDS for Asia and the Pacific, with the members of Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) Executive Committee and Secretariat, 28 August 2013.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Ban Ki Moon's Special Envoy to visit the Philippines this August



We need you.

The UN Secretary General's Special Envoy on HIV and AIDS for Asia and the Pacific, Dr. Prasada Rao, will be on official mission to the Philippines on 26-30 August 2013. He will have meetings with high level government officials from the Executive and Legislative branches of government, as well as meetings with civil society alliances, including religious leaders, to discuss the HIV epidemic in the Philippines.

From today, @UNAIDS_AP will be sending a series of tweets about HIV in the Philippines and urging action to #stopHIV. These include:

#HIV is growing in the #Philippines. Find out more http://on.fb.me/15lC5hG – pls RT
• #HIV is rapidly expanding among men who have sex with men #MSM in the #Philippines. #stopHIV – pls RT
• #HIV is rapidly expanding among people who inject drugs #PWID in the #Philippines. #stopHIV – pls RT
• Since 2006, the rate of #HIV infection reduced in most countries but increased 10x in the #Philippines. #stopHIV - pls RT
• Less than 25% of men who have sex with men in the #Philippines know their #HIV status. More testing is vital to #stopHIV - pls RT
• Less than 15% of #Filipinos who inject drugs in the #Philippines know their #HIV status. More testing is vital to #stopHIV - pls RT
• Every 2 hours, someone in the #Philippines gets #HIV. #stopHIV - pls RT
• In the #Philippines, we only need P4,000 per person to prevent #HIV while treatment costs P25,000. HIV prevention NOW. #stopHIV - pls RT
• We can end #AIDS in the #Philippines. Commit to invest more to #stopHIV – pls RT
• By 2012, #Philippines is still in the list of 9 countries with increasing #HIV incidence. Invest more to #stopHIV - pls RT
• Bring #HIV into the #Philippines' national consciousness. Talk about #HIV and #AIDS. #stopHIV - pls RT
• Remove barriers to access to HIV programmess. Stop #stigma. Talk about #HIV and #AIDS. #stopHIV - pls RT

How you can help?
1. Follow @UNAIDS_AP and retweet as many messages as possible over the next few days
2. Invite your Pinoy friends or friends interested in the issue of HIV in the Philippines to follow @UNAIDS_AP
3. Tweet as many of the above messages yourself
3. Share this Facebook message

Head over to Twitter now:
http://www.twitter.com/UNAIDS_AP

Thank you and see you there!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Call for Application - PROGRAM EVALUATION SPECIALIST of AMTP5 Midterm Review


Republic of the Philippines
Philippine National AIDS Council
Office of the Philippine National AIDS Council Secretariat
3rdFlr. Bldg. 15, Department of Health, San Lazaro Compound,
Rizal Ave., Sta Cruz, Manila
Tel. (632) 743-05-12 Trunkline: 743-83-01 loc. 2551



TITLE OF TA:                                    Midterm Review of the 5th AIDS Medium Term Plan (AMTP5)
TYPE OF TA:                                     Assessment
TA RECIPIENT:                                 Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC)
SUGGESTED TA PROVIDER:         Consultant – PROGRAM EVALUATION SPECIALIST

1.       BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

HIV prevalence in the Philippines remains under 0.1%, but rapidly expanding among key affected populations (KAP).  By 2011, HIV prevalence rose to 4-6% among males who have sex with males (MSM) in the cities of Cebu, Quezon and Manila; 53% among people who inject drugs (PWID) and 5% among female sex workers (FSW) in Cebu City. (2012 GARPR)

The number of cases reported has shown a steep increase in the last 6 years - from less than 1 case a day in 2006 to 9 cases a day in 2012.  As of May 2013, there are already 12 HIV cases reported per day or 4,400 new cases by the end of 2013. This is likely to increase every year. In 2012, PNAC has projected that the total number of HIV cases in the Philippines could reach 37,000, or as high as 54,000 by 2015. Those infected are young with a median age of 27, with period of initiation to sex and drug use among key affected populations  as early as 14 years old.  Sex is still the main mode of transmission with 85% of new cases were reportedly through male-to-male sex in 2012. (2012 Spectrum Projections, 2013 AIDS Registry)

HIV cases among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) continue to increase (43 cases per month since Jan 2013) despite the decrease in proportion of OFW to the total cases. This indicates that local transmission has outpaced infections reportedly contracted overseas. (2013 AIDS Registry)

The Philippines was categorized as one of the countries with the lowest level (less than 25%) of coverage of prevention programs among MSM and HIV testing among MSM and PWID. Very few KAPs were tested for HIV (merely 14%) and zero for key affected populations under the age of 18 (2012 GARPR).

While substantial increase in the ART coverage and high ART retention were documented, PMTCT leaves a large room for improvement.

The 2012 Philippine MDG Report to the UN regards MDG 6, particularly HIV, as among the MDG targets that are least likely to be achieved. The Global Fund, who had the largest investment on HIV in the Philippines since 2004, concludes that, given the available information, Philippines' national program currently stands at "limited progress toward impact”. Current strategies to reach KAP, particularly MSM and PWID, should be revised to reverse the current increase in HIV incidence and prevalence.

Given these, and as planned, PNAC will review AMTP5at midterm, in collaboration with UNAIDS and WHO, an external team of consultants will be convened to determine the magnitude of the country’s HIV epidemic and assess the current achievement of the AMTP5 in terms of the coverage and quality of interventions and the efficiency of interventions in terms of availability, accessibility and delivery in achieving the outcome and impact.

As part of the review, the Department of Health (DOH), with support from WHO, will support another team of consultants (but part of the AMTP5 midterm review team) to assess the Health Sector HIV response including key components of the National AIDS/STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP).

2.       OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of the midterm review is to assess the country’s HIV epidemic and the first 3 years of AMTP5 implementation (2011-2013). In particular, the review aims to:
a) To determine the HIV burden in the country over the past decade (covering both AMTP4 and AMTP5) in terms of incidence, prevalence and mortality and its variation by demographic (e.g. age and gender), geographic, and socioeconomic characteristics.
b) To assess progress towards achievement of AMTP5 targets per output (by strategic objective);
c) To determine investments into AMTP5 both at national and local levels and assess whether these investments address sufficiently the resource requirements of AMTP5;
d) To determine whether AMTP5 has been implemented in a multisectoral manner i.e. it includes achievements in both health and non-health sectors. The health sector will include particular assessments of HIV counseling and testing, ART for and care of PLHIV, and STI management among key populations;
e) To determine programmatic and policy issues that facilitated and hindered the achievements of AMTP5 targets
f) To determine the efficiency of the HIV monitoring, evaluation and information system in the country particularly up-to-date projection of HIV incidence, prevalence and mortality; timely publication of the surveillance/ IHBSS reports; reporting on prevention programs among MSM and PWID; reporting ART;
PNAC expressed that, out of the midterm review, key recommendations on strategic priorities for 2014-2016 will be developed, highlighting lessons learned and specifying ways for PNAC to redirect AMTP5 particularly in updating its Investment Plan. PNAC also wishes that the review will look into the High Level Meeting (HLM) targets set by ASEAN countries.


3.       SCOPE OF WORK, DELIVERABLES and TIMELINE
An external team of consultants will be convened to conduct the AMTP5 midterm review.  These will be composed of the following:
a)       Overall Team Leader (Evaluation Specialist - to be supported by UNAIDS, see separate TOR)
b)       Program Evaluation Specialist (to be supported by UNAIDS)
c)       Impact Evaluation Specialist (online support during preparatory phase thru Global Fund)
d)       Health Sector Assessment Team (to be supported by WHO)
                                                   i.      Team Leader
                                                  ii.      Two (2) Programme Specialists
                                                iii.      Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
e)       A team of data collectors (4 research assistants) (to be supported by DOH–NEC)

This TOR assumes that the team will be grouped into 2-3 sub-teams for data collection and will travel to 9-10 sites/cities around the country (3-4 in Luzon, 3 in Visayas and 3 in Mindanao). Selected cities in Metro Manila and Cebu will also be visited.

The team will ensure conduct of the following:
Phase
Scope of Work
Deliverables
Timeline
Background review and preparatory phase

a)       Determine scope of the AMTP5 Midterm Review, in consultation with DOH-WHO Health Sector Assessment Team Leader and Global Fund Impact Evaluation Specialist
b)       Development of assessment framework, plan, and tools
c)       Background document, desk review
d)       Conduct of consultative meetings with stakeholders and assessment team
e)       Orientation on data collection activities

Inception Report

Assessment Tools
10 days - within September 1 and October 2, 2013
Data Collection Phase

f)        Site visits (depending on the assessment plan). Tentatively
- 4 days Metro Manila
- 3 days Luzon (e.g. Baguio or Angeles)
- 3 days Visayas (e.g. Cebu)
- 3 days Mindanao (e.g. Davao)
g)       Debriefing with PNAC and stakeholders and submission of the Interim Report
Interim Report

13 days - within October 3-28, 2013
Analysis and report writing phase
h)       Analysis and report preparation
i)         Discussion of key findings with PNAC and other stakeholders
j)        Revisions
k)       Submission of the final report

Final AMTP5 Midterm Review Report

10 days – within October 29 and November 15, 2013

TOTAL Consultancy Days

33 days

4.       DURATION
The PROGRAM EVALUATION SPECIALIST will assist the Overall TEAM LEADER and will be hired for 33 days spread between September 1 and November 15, 2013:
a)       Background review and preparatory phase: 10 consultancy days
b)       Data Collection Phase: 13 consultancy days
c)       Analysis and report writing phase: 10 consultancy days

5.       SITES
Nationwide – including key cities in Metro Manila and around 9-10 cities around the country (3-4 in Luzon, 3 in Visayas and 3 in Mindanao). But will depend widely on the assessment framework and plan.

6.       TYPE OF PROVIDER
Consultant – PROGRAM EVALUATION SPECIALIST
7.       SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS
Expected Qualifications
a)       At least 5 years of experience in HIV program evaluation, especially in low prevalence or concentrated epidemics. Has conducted at least 3 similar/related consultancies
b)       At least 5 years of experience working in the area of HIV and AIDS particularly in local governance or local HIV response
c)       Experience with both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis
d)       Experienced in dealing with various sectors such as government, civil society, etc.
e)       Preferably based in the Philippines

Expected skills
a)       Excellent verbal and written communication skills
b)       Keen eye for details
c)       Systematic, highly organized, able to translate complicated and technical concepts into easily understood forms
d)       Good interpersonal skills

8.       SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS

Payment
Description
Deliverable Requirements
1stPayment
75% advance of  DSA
Signed Contract
2ndPayment
30 % of consultancy fees
Upon submission and satisfactory acceptance of Inception Report and Assessment Tools by the PNAC Executive Committee - by email
3rdPayment
30% of consultancy fees
Upon submission and satisfactory acceptance of Interim Report by the PNAC Executive Committee - by email
Final Payment
40 % of consultancy fees
25% of DSA
Upon assignment completion with:
·         All deliverables especially submission of Final AMTP5 Midterm Review Report
·         Written approval by PNAC Secretariat Director that the assignment is complete and satisfactory

9.       REPORTING PRACTICE
The consultant shall:
a)       Shall directly report to the PNAC Secretariat Director, with all communications copied to the focal persons of PNAC and UNAIDS
b)       Shall perform the services and carry out the deliverables with all diligence, efficiency and economy in accordance with general accepted professional techniques and practices
c)       Shall observe sound management practices and employ appropriate advance technology and safe methods
d)       Abide by terms and conditions stipulated by the contract

10.    Immediate Requirement from the Consultant
Submit the following by close of business on Friday, July 26, 2013 to flavelino58@gmail.com and cc to jojorfeliciano@gmail.com and mosendez@unaids.org.
a)       Letter of interest – This should explain why s/he is the most suitable person to perform the work and deliver the outputs.
b)       Personal CV – This should highlight past experiences in similar projects/assignments and indicating at least 3 references
c)       At least one sample evaluation report

Signatory / Manager
Focal Persons
Dir. Ferchito Avelino
Director III
PNAC Secretariat
Department of Health
San Lazaro Compound,
Manila, Philippines

Email: flavelino58@gmail.com
Phone: +63-2-743-0512

Dr. Joselito Feliciano
M&E Officer
PNAC Secretariat
Department of Health
San Lazaro Compound,
Manila, Philippines

Email: jojorfeliciano@gmail.com
Phone: +63-2-743-0512

Mr. Zimmbodilion Mosende
Strategic Information Adviser
UNAIDS Philippines
Email: mosendez@unaids.org
Phone: +63-2-901-0413




ANNEXES
Annex A. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS
1.       Representatives and Contract Administration Arrangement for AMTP5 Midterm Review (from herein will be referred to as the “Project”)
1.1.     The PNAC Executive Committee will be the designated Project Management Committee (PMC) while the PNAC 5th AMTP Review Technical Working Group (TWG) which is composed of official representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Local and Interior Government (DILG), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Labor and Employment(DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Action for Health Initiatives (ACHIEVE) and Pinoy Plus.
1.2.     The PMC appoints Dr. Ferchito L. Avelino as the PNAC Project Manager (PM). The PM has the authority to represent the PNAC on all day to day matters relating to the project or arising from the contract. All notices, instructions, orders, certificates, approvals and all other communications under the contract shall be communicated to the PNAC through the PM except otherwise stated in the contract.
1.3.     Policies, issues and concerns affecting the AMTP5 midterm review shall be coursed through the PM who shall ensure that the PNAC TWG resolves the issue within reasonable time.

2.       Reporting Obligations and Approval Process
2.1.     Reports are based on expected scope of work and deliverables
2.2.     All reports shall be submitted to the PNAC TWG for review and comments, through the PM
2.3.     Approvals of the final products shall be done by the PNAC (Executive Committee)
2.4.     Any documents shall not be disapproved except on the grounds that the document does not comply with the specified provision of the TOR and contract or that, it is contrary to good industry practice.
2.5.     If the output is disapproved by the PNAC, the Consultant shall modify the output and resubmit it for approval. If the modifications required had been made, then it shall deem to have been approved unless such modification that has been agreed upon has not been done.

3.       Roles and responsibilities Agencies involved in the project
3.1.     Consultants
3.1.1.  The UNAIDS hired consultants will be the overall TEAM LEADER for the AMTP5 Midterm Review and to be supported by a PROGRAM EVALUATION SPECIALIST.
3.1.2.  The consultants shall perform the services and carry out their obligations with all assiduousness, efficiency and economy in accordance with generally accepted professional techniques and practices and shall observe sound management practices and employ appropriate advance technology and safe methods.
3.1.3.  Conduct all activities with due care and diligence, in accordance to the TOR and the contract and with the skill and care expected of a competent provider of the technical services required.
3.1.4.  Shall provide as needed sufficient properly qualified operating and technical personnel to properly carry out the project at or before the time specified in this TOR.
3.1.5.  Always act in respect of any matter relating to the contract or Services as the faithful advisers and technical provider to the PNAC. It shall at all times support and safeguard the PNAC’s and governments legitimate interest in any dealing with third party.

3.2.     PNAC Secretariat
3.2.1.  Shall be responsible in the coordination of members of the midterm review team, venues and food for the respondents and partner agencies who will be involved.
3.2.2.  Shall be responsible for the plane fares of the midterm review team.
3.2.3.  Be responsible for the timely provision of all the resources, access, information and decision making under its control necessary for the project as identified agreed and finalized project plan, except where provision of such item is explicitly identified in the contract as being the responsibility of the consultant
3.2.4.  Ensure accuracy of all PNAC information and data to be supplied to the Consultants
3.2.5.  Issue the acceptance report of deliverables
3.2.6.  Identify control points or milestones or submission or outputs of the Consultants. These outputs are to be reviewed and will indicate whether the project should proceed or not or to take other options toward project completion.
3.2.7.  Shall provide per diem to the six (4) research assistants during data collection.

3.3.     DOH-NASPCP
3.3.1.  Shall select and hire the consultants/members of the Health Sector Assessment Team
3.3.2.  Shall pay for the consultants fee of the Health Sector Assessment Team
3.3.3.  Shall provide for four (4) research assistants to assist the evaluation team in data gathering. (DOH-NEC will be providing for their salaries only)

3.4.     UNAIDS
3.4.1.  Shall shoulder the consultants’ fee and DSA of the overall TEAM LEADER and PROGRAM EVALUATION SPECIALIST for conducting the AMTP5 midterm review (excluding Health Sector Assessment Team).

3.5.     WHO
3.5.1.  Shall shoulder the consultants’ fee of Health Sector Assessment Team who are hired/selected by DOH-NASPCP).

3.6.     GLOBAL FUND
3.6.1.  Shall appoint an Impact Evaluation Specialist who will provide online technical support to the AMTP5 Midterm Review Team.




Annex B: CONCEPT NOTE
National Health Sector HIV Programme Review and Development of a National M&E Plan: The Philippines
(Concept note, 6 June, 2013)

1. Background

The Philippines is still a low HIV prevalence country, but the epidemic is increasing very rapidly in the past five years. The number of HIV cases reported has increased from one every three days in year 2000, to one within  three hours by the end of 2012 . HIV transmissions are mostly concentrated among males who have sex with males (MSM) and people who inject drugs (PWID) in certain geographic areas. From 1984 to the end of 2012, there were 11,702 diagnosed HIV cases reported to the Philippine HIV & AIDS Registry. Among the reported cases, 86% were males.  Majority (62%) of the reported cases in 2011 were 21-30 years. It is estimated that 23922 people are living with HIV by 2012.

Progress has been made in terms of prevention and access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Prevention focuses on targeted education, risk-reduction counselling and condom promotion by health workers and their trained volunteer peer educators in high risk areas. The GFATM Projects have been instrumental in the institutionalization of provision of ART. From 2004 (Round 3) until January 2012, the cumulative number of PLHIV enrolled to ART is 2,087 representing approximately 90% of those who are in need of treatment. From 6 treatment hubs in 2004, Department of Health (DOH) has expanded ARV services to 16 Treatment Hubs in the country. One important measure in ensuring continuous access to treatment, care and support services of PLHIV is the provision of medical and financial support through the Philhealth Outpatient HIV and AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package amounting to Php 30,000 per patient per year to cover for drugs and medicines, laboratory examinations including CD4 and viral load determination, and professional fees of service providers.

Important challenges facing the HIV response in the Philippines include: stigma and discrimination to people living with HIV and key populations, long waiting time before HIV test results are given, high rate of lost to follow-up after being tested positive, insufficient coverage of interventions with key population, MSM and PWID in particular, insufficient resources and capacity, particularly for surveillance, monitoring and evaluation, as well as the need to rapidly scale up effective interventions such as testing and counselling to key populations, and harm reduction programme to people who inject drugs in some geographic areas.

The Department of Health (DOH), through the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) has come up with the 5th AIDS Medium Term Plan 2011 – 2016 (AMTP) to address the HIV and AIDS situation in the country. This is in conjunction with the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The 5th AMTP provides the overall direction of the implementation of the programs and projects on HIV and AIDS in the Philippines. The 5th AMTP has started its implementation in 2011 and will end by 2016. As AMTP5 reached halfway of its implementation, an external evaluation is needed. The evaluation will focus on the five strategic objectives of the 5th AMTP assessing the status of its implementation. The assessment would also inform the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) priority actions in the second half of the 5th AMTP.

As part of the overall evaluation of the 5th AMTP led by PNAC, the DOH is requested to take the lead in the health sector HIV programme review, which would focus on HIV testing and counselling, treatment and care, sexually transmitted infections (STI) among key populations, as well as the monitoring and evaluation of the health sector response, leading to develop a National M&E Plan.  

2. Purpose and objectives

The purpose is to assess the progress and quality implementation of the first three years of the 5th AIDS Mid Term Plan 2011-2016, and evaluation of the implementation of the National Health Sector HIV Strategic Plan 2008-2012. The findings and recommendations of the review will be used to inform the implementation of the remaining years of the 5th AMTP, and the adjustment/revision of the National Health Sector HIV Strategic Plan 2013-2016, which has just been drafted. The assessment of the monitoring and evaluation system will inform the development of the National HIV M&E Plan.

Specific objectives:
         To assess progress of the health sector response to HIV in terms of coverage, effectiveness, impact and quality of services, with special focus on HIV testing and counseling, treatment and care, and STI prevention and control among key populations.
         To identifying gaps and constraints and provide recommendations scaling up key health sector responses to HIV, in particular HIV testing and counseling, treatment and care and STI prevention and control among key populations.
         To assess the health sector HIV strategic information system, including surveillance, monitoring and evaluation system, and develop a health sector HIV programme M&E plan.

3. Scope and process

3.1 The review should cover the following:
         The status, trends, dynamics of HIV/AIDS and other STI infections
         An analysis of the performance of current interventions/services, achievements, obstacles and gaps in response;
         An assessment of links to other programmes (TB, RH, workplace such as call centers, etc.)
         Identification of the leading issues and constraints facing the programmes on HIV and STI
         A gap analysis and recommendations for improving the national health sector response to HIV
         For assessment of the M&E system:
o    Assessment of the existing health sector’s monitoring and evaluation system, including infrastructure, manpower capacity, technology, resources, policies
o    Harmonization of the reporting systems, indicators, reports within the HIV program, and with other programs like TB, MCH, and universal health care (eg. FHSIS, KP dashboard)
o    Develop a 5 year health sector M&E costed plan, with the purpose of improving the quality, accuracy, timeliness, completeness and availability of information; increasing the utility of existing data at national and sub-national levels,  triangulating data, and disseminating information

3.2  Following activities are expected to be carried out:
         Desk review (policy and programme documents, progress reports, project proposals survey and research reports, evaluation reports, media reports and other data sources. A check list of documents and related information will be provided in advance by WHO Philippines)
         Technical briefing by the National HIV programme about epidemiological situation, programme priorities, interventions, achievements, challenges and future perspectives
         Interviews with key stakeholders (government institutions, non-government, civil society, clients of STIs, HIV and AIDS services, PLHIV, sex workers, MSM population, UN agencies, researchers, private sector)
         Group discussions (care providers, populations at risk, young people at higher risk including staff from call centers)
         Site visits to organizations and institutions implementing HIV/AIDS and STIs prevention, treatment, care or support programmes or services
         Stakeholder meetings
         Dissemination workshop of the draft review report
         Holding a press conference to share the major findings and recommendations and
         Submission of the final report within one month after the mission.

4.  Deliverables

         Summary of preliminary findings and recommendations to the national counterparts at the end of the mission.
         A comprehensive programme review report in both hardcopy and electronic form. The report should clearly identify the achievements and strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and challenges, and make recommendations for consolidating and improving programme effectiveness.
         An assessment report of the National M&E system, against the Global Fund M&E guide;
         A draft National Health Sector M&E Plan, which is costed.

5.  Organization

The review will be coordinated by the National HIV Programme, DOH of the Philippines. External and internal consultants will be recruited to work with the programme managers and staff. WHO Country Office in the Philippines and the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific will provide necessary technical and financial support to conduct the review.

6.  Consultants

A team of 6-8 consultants (3-4 international and 3-4 local) will be recruited. A team leader will be appointed among the consultant to lead the review. They will be funded by WHO.

The international consultants should be leading experts working in the areas of HIV testing and counselling, antiretroviral therapy and STI, with rich international experiences, particularly in the low and concentrated Asia epidemic settings. S/he should have experiences for programme review and assessments, and with good track records working with governments and agencies.

The local consultants are national experts in the areas of health programme implementation and management, with experiences of data collection, collation and analysis. They should have training on health sciences related disciplines, with master degree of public health or epidemiology. S/he should be able to work with the international teams to provide data collection, encoding and analysis, conduct the field survey and provide other inputs as necessary.

7. Timeline

In consultation with the National AIDS Programme, and in consideration of the overall timeline of the 5th ATMP evaluation, the following timeline is proposed for the health sector HIV programme review and M&E plan development.


Scope of Work
Deliverables
Timelines
Responsible
Convening the panel of experts/consultants
4 research assistants recruited (funded by DOH-NEC)

4 international consultants recruited (funded by WPRO)
Aug. 2013


Aug. 2013
DOH


WHO
Development of review plan, methodologies and tools; background documents and data collection and review - preparation phase

Review plan, methods and tools, initial desk review
1 - 30 Sep., 2013
Research assistants working with DOH, international consultants and WHO. Team Leader of health sector review to discuss and harmonize with overall team leader.
Joint thematic programme review through desk review, interviews, focus group discussions, site visits, and others
Joint programme review done with three thematic teams: HTC/ART, STI, Strategic Information (SI); Interim report submitted by the end of the mission
Oct. 2013.

The site visit takes place on 14-24 Oct
Consultants working with the DOH and WHO.

Report writing, discussions and revisions, and submission of the final report
Final report
25-31 Oct. 2013
Consultant team, led by team leader, with inputs from Overall Team Leader
AMTP5 Final Report writing and submission

Inputs to the AMTP5 Final report
15 Nov. 2013
Consultant team, led by team leader, coordinated with Overall Team Leader


8. Contacts

Dr Jose Gerard B. BELIMAC
Medical Specialist II
National Center for Disease Prevention and Control
Infections Disease Office
Building 19, Department of Health, Sta. Cruz
Manila, the Philippines
Tel No.   :               (632) 495 0149
E-mail    :               naspcp@yahoo.com

Dr Zhao Pengfei (Act as interim focal point for WHO Country Office in the Philippines) and Dr. Yu Dongbao (act as focal point for WHO WPRO)
World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific
UN Ave.
Manila 1000,
The Philippines