Consultancy for Situation Analysis and Adaptation of Health Care Waste Management (HCWM) practices and guidelines 3.5 months (Internationals only, remote with travel)

Organizational Context

UNICEF is dedicated to saving children's lives and defending their rights globally. In Myanmar, the Ministry of Health, through its Department of Public Health and OEHD, is committed to enhancing health care waste management, particularly immunization sharps waste, across public health facilities. This initiative involves collaboration with national programs, UN agencies, and other organizations to improve practices.

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive situation analysis of Health Care Waste Management (HCWM) practices and guidelines within Myanmar's public health facilities. Building on previous efforts supported by Gavi HSS since 2019, which included procurement of equipment, infrastructure development, and training, the consultant will identify existing gaps. While progress has been made in guideline availability, SOPs, and health worker knowledge regarding safe injection practices, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning infrastructure for final waste disposal and the sustainability of current interventions. A critical aspect of this role is to develop a long-term, costed waste management plan. This plan will serve as a strategic roadmap, ensuring the program can effectively enhance the HCWM system by integrating global best practices tailored to the local context, thereby safeguarding public health and the environment.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a comprehensive situation analysis of current Health Care Waste Management (HCWM) practices and guidelines within Myanmar's public health facilities. This includes reviewing the effectiveness and sustainability of past interventions, such as the procurement and distribution of equipment like needle cutters, color-coded bins, and disinfecting agents, along with the establishment of sharps pits and mini HCWM backpacks. A key task involves assessing the implementation and impact of updated HCWM guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and cascade training programs for health workers, identifying areas for improvement. Furthermore, the consultant will identify and analyze persistent infrastructure gaps, particularly concerning waste burial facilities for final disposal, and propose practical, sustainable solutions. A crucial output will be the development of a detailed, long-term strategic waste management plan, complete with comprehensive cost estimations for its implementation and ongoing maintenance. This plan must integrate global best practices in health care waste management, while being specifically adapted to Myanmar's unique operational context, resource availability, and regulatory framework. The consultant will also provide actionable recommendations for strengthening the overall HCWM system, aiming for enhanced compliance, improved safety, and environmental protection, collaborating closely with relevant stakeholders.

Work Experience

Information not available.

Skills

Situation Analysis, Waste Management Planning, Guideline Adaptation, SOP Development, Training Assessment, Infrastructure Assessment, Cost Estimation, Global Best Practices Integration, Stakeholder Collaboration, Environmental Health, Public Health, Project Management

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