Closing date: 21 Aug 2017
BACKGROUND
The International Conference for Chemicals Management (ICCM) at its 4th meeting held in October 2015, formally recognized Environmentally Persistent Pharmaceutical Pollutants (EPPP) as an emerging policy issue to be addressed within the International Framework of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). Whilst recognizing that pharmaceuticals have major benefits for human health and animal welfare, this decision reflects growing concern, particularly within the environment sector, about the impacts of EPPP on the physical and natural environment as well as on human health. Available evidence on the health impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment is limited. Research conducted in North America and Europe, for example, has confirmed that traces of many pharmaceutical ingredients are present in surface and drinking water. However, findings regarding risks to health of exposure to such traces has been inconclusive. Concentrations of pharmaceuticals found in drinking-water were well-below the minimum therapeutic dose and were therefore considered unlikely to pose appreciable health risks (WHO 2012).
Nevertheless, due to the increased attention being given to the issue of EPPP, including in the context of wider efforts aimed at addressing antimicrobial resistance, WHO is commissioning a systematic review of evidence addressing this topic.
Purpose of the consultancy: To support the IAU team in building evidence on the major gaps and challenges on the health impact of pharmaceuticals in the environment with a particular focus of antibiotics and the impact on the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. This work supports the implementation of the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance..
Work to be performed: Output 1: To assess the extent and breadth to which the issue of pharmaceutical waste management, in particular antibiotic waste – from a human health risk perspective – has been addressed and identify priority areas/issues that may require further research/action. Deliverable 1.1 Conduct an in-depth review and develop a report detailing the findings on the key findings of the review that assesses the extent at which the health impact of pharmaceutical waste in general and antibiotics as specific sub-category into the environment have been documented/analysed and identify the major gaps and challenges. This review should include the following: • Assessment of available peer reviewed and grey literature; • Assessment of available databases/data repositories and international and national initiatives such as the Industry roadmap on antimicrobial resistance. This assessment should include where possible preliminary review of the data available and feasibility of conducting a more in-depth health risk assessment; • Identification of major (priority) pathways for pharmaceutical release into the environment, (e.g. production/manufacturing; use; waste/disposal; etc.) from the human, animal , aquaculture and crop production sectors; and • Map/define major categories of pharmaceuticals used for human health and related substances that have the potential to persist in the environment and for antibiotics the link to the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. Deliverable 1.3: Prepare an article based on the above described report for potential submission to a relevant journal/periodical. Deliverable 1.4: Develop a brief report on potential solutions and recommendations for the way forward based on the reviews undertaken.
Conduct key informant interviews with subject matter experts, including within WHO, so as to bring in different disciplines and perspectives needed (e.g. pharmacy, health-care waste, environmental health, etc.) as relevant needed to inform the above analyses.
Planned timelines: Start date: 11/09/2017 End date: 11/01/2018
Key requirements for this consultancy: Essential Education: Advanced university degree in environmental health, toxicology, pharmacy, public health or a related field..
Essential Work experience: At least 7 (seven) years of international experience working on environmental health and/or pharmaceutical issues.
Skills and Competencies: Demonstrated professional experience with the management of pharmaceutical waste.
Demonstrated experience with the carrying out scientific research and systematic literature reviews. Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
Additional information: All work under this consultancy will be home-based and carried out at the consultant’s usual place of residence.
The implementation of the assignment may require international travel; costs for such travel will be borne by WHO according to its rules and regulations. The contractor has to be legally entitled to work in the country or countries where the work is to be carried out, and is expected to be in the possession of an unrestricted passport.
How to apply:
Submission of proposals: No later than 21 August 2017 (17:00 CET), the bidder shall complete and return by email to WHO (only when this step is completed the bidder is regarded as a prospective bidder):
a) Covering letter signed by the respective authority. b) Proposal (including, technical and financial documents). c) RFP Confidentiality Undertaking form completed/signed. d) RFP Acknowledgement form completed/signed as confirmation of the bidder's intention to submit a bona fide proposal and designate its representative to whom communications may be directed, including any addenda. e) RFP Acceptance form completed/signed. f) RFP Completeness form completed/signed.
All required documents can be found on this link: https://www.ungm.org/Public/Notice/60435
A prospective bidder requiring any clarification on technical, contractual or commercial matters may notify WHO via email at the following address no later than 16 August 2017 (16:00 CET).
• Email for submissions of forms and proposal: iauinfo@who.int (use subject: Bid Ref HQ/HIS/EMP/IAU/2017/001)