The global USAID LHSS Activity helps low- and middle-income countries transition to sustainable, self-funded health finance systems that support high-performing overall health systems. The LHSS activity in Vietnam will work with the Government of Vietnam (GVN) to advance greater local ownership of HIV and TB prevention and control. Led by Abt Associates, the four-year activity supports Vietnam in increasing its domestic financing for HIV and TB services in the context of declining donor funding, in using government resources more efficiently, and in assuming local ownership of HIV and TB prevention and control activities. Specific objectives are: (1) Support the GVN to strengthen its public financial management systems for public sector health and find greater efficiencies in social health insurance (SHI), (2) Increase and improve the efficiency of domestic financing of HIV prevention and treatment services; (3) Strengthen the capacity of Vietnam's supply chain management system; (4) Integrate TB services into SHI ; and (5) Support the provision of disability packages in the basic health service packages circular at the provincial level in Vietnam.


Per LHSS’ technical assistance role to the VAAC, NTP and provinces under PEPFAR support in providing policy advice and updates on SHI implementation and addressing SHI bottlenecks at the central and provincial levels, especially on HIV and TB, LHSS will continue to mobilize a national consultant to work closely with the MOH/Department of Health Insurance on the development of SHI policies and regulations. These include the revision of SHI law which is expected to be endorsed by the National Assembly at the 8th session of the XV National Assembly opened on October 21st, 2024, and a number of important SHI policies such as the reform of SHI payment methods, criteria for selection and inclusion of medicines reimbursed through SHI fund, SHI referral management and so on. In particular, the guideline on TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention updated in the MOH’s decision 162/QD-BYT dated January 19, 2024, includes new regimens for TB treatment which require two new first-line TB drugs (Rifabutin and Rifapentine) and four second-line TB drugs (Terizidone, Protionamide, Para-aminosalicylic acid, and Pretomanid) not yet included in the SHI drug list. Therefore, LHSS will also provide technical support to the DHI in the process of requesting the MOH’s approval for the inclusion of such drugs into the SHI benefit list.



The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Work closely with the MOH/DHI for compilation and analysis of relevant documents for the revision of SHI policies and regulations.
• Take notes of technical meetings/ discussions/ workshops on SHI law revision and SHI policy development.
• Follow up with involved stakeholders to compile feedbacks and consolidate documents related to the drafting of the revised SHI Law, and relevant SHI policies and regulations.
• Collect information and data supporting the revision of the SHI law and SHI policies.
• Monitor and update the progress of developing and implementation of the draft revised SHI Law and its guiding documents.
• Support the DHI’s process of inclusion of new ARV and TB drugs into the SHI drug list and monitor the progress of dossier development and submission.
• Provide other related support to the project and MOH/DHI as needed
  • Deliverables:
    

• Monthly progress update on the task implementation to LHSS, including meeting notes and supporting documents as relevant.
A final consultancy report upon the completion of the consultancy service

• A bachelor's degree in health or a similar discipline.
• Understanding the policy development context of the health sector, in particular, social health insurance is preferred.
• At least two years of relevant work experience, particularly in public health or health policy.
• Good communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and with minimal supervision.
Language requirement: Vietnamese. The ability to speak and write basic English would be an advantage.

All deliverables must be reviewed by the Technical Officer and approved by the LHSS Technical Director. The Consultant can direct questions to the LHSS Technical Director throughout the consultancy.


Contract duration: from December 2024 to 31st May 2025
Deadline: 13 November 2024
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.