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Qualifications

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF A SSA FOR THE WHO SOUTH AFRICAN DIABETES PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAM.

1.            PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The SSA will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the “Amplifying diabetes awareness, care and treatment in South Africa (DACT-SA)” project at the WHO country office in South Africa.

2.            BACKGROUND:

The WHO country office in South Africa will be implementing a collaborative project with the National Department of Health to transform the current diabetes landscape in South Africa by improving clinical outcomes for diabetes patients, especially in the public sector. The initiative will focus on increasing awareness, supporting health promotion, and ensuring better linkage to diabetes care. The goal is to improve control of the disease, thereby reducing the burden of long-term complications.

Non-Communicable Diseases are a major public health concern with significant social and economic implications in terms of health care-needs, lost productivity and premature death which are hampering the nation from achieve its social, economic and developmental targets.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) approximates that 10.5% of the adult global population (approximately 537 million adults (20-79 years)) are living with diabetes with almost half unaware that they are living with the condition. By 2045, IDF projections show that 1 in 8 adults, approximately 783 million, will be living with diabetes, an increase of 46%. Over 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which is driven by socio-economic, demographic, environmental, and genetic factors.

In South Africa, the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has almost doubled since 2000, driven by rapid urbanization, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles. The IDF estimates the age-adjusted comparative prevalence of diabetes in South Africa at 10.8% representing close to 4,234,000 individuals among South Africans aged 30 years and older. 45.4% or 1,922,200 of persons with diabetes people are however undiagnosed. While these figures already represent one of the highest prevalence in the African region, the age-adjusted comparative prevalence of Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) is 7.6% and the age-adjusted comparative prevalence of Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) is 32.2%.

Despite the high prevalence of diabetes in the country, only 55% of persons living with elevated blood glucose have been screened, representing a concerning 45% screening gap. Of those screened positive, 73% are diagnosed with high blood glucose, revealing a further 27% diagnostic gap. only 51% of those put-on medication have controlled blood sugar levels, indicating a 49% control gap. This translates to only approximately 19% of South Africans with diabetes having their condition under control, a stark reality that poses grave risks for long-term complications and increased mortality rates from the disease.

Aligned to the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (2022 – 2027) and the National Development Plan 2030, the project seeks to integrate diabetes care into the broader health system, emphasizing early detection, effective treatment, and comprehensive care and control.

While the entry point and focus will be diabetes, the project will widen its scope to cover the risk factors and comorbidities of diabetes such as cardiovascular diseases as the shared epidemiological and pathophysiological link portends a symbiotic relationship that will be catalytically used towards halting and reversing the high burden of NCDs in south Africa.

3.            OBJECTIVES

The objective of this position is to support interventions aimed at reduction of the morbidity and premature mortality resulting from diabetes and related non-communicable diseases through integrated diabetes awareness, diagnosis, care, and treatment at the National, provincial, district, and community levels in South Africa.

4.            SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the NCD focal person and the WHO country representative, the service provider is expected to work closely with the NDOH and provincial departments of health to deliver the  following:

4.1.        Provide guidance and technical support for the development of the South Africa National Action Plan for comprehensive prevention and control of diabetes in line with the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, 2022 – 2027.

4.2.        Support the capacity building for leadership, governance and multisectoral action for diabetes at both the national and provincial level.

4.3.        Harness strategic partnerships to accelerate the country response for the prevention and control of diabetes and other NCDS.

4.4.        Support the revision of diabetes care and treatment norms and standards through the development of the South Africa National Clinical User Guide for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes Mellitus.

4.5.        Provide guidance and coordination for the development of various Diabetes training materials and tools in line with NDoH and WHO guidance (General diabetes, diabetes foot care, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Nutrition Therapy, Community health workers training tools, Diabetes peer educator’s manual)

4.6.        Participate in and support health care provider’s training on different aspects of diabetes prevention, care and treatment across the provinces to strengthen institutional capacity of the workforce.

4.7.        Support in the empowerment of communities and persons living with diabetes to meaningfully participate in halting and reversing the burden of diabetes and other NCDs in their communities.

4.8.        Support the health promotion and awareness on diabetes and other NCDs through the conceptualization, development and dissemination of various diabetes information, education and communication material.

4.9.        Provide guidance and technical support for the enhancing of surveillance, monitoring and evaluation and data to policy action for improved outcomes of prevention and control of diabetes and its determinants.

4.10.     Any other duties as assigned by WHO Country representative

5.            EDUCATION QUALIFICATION:

A Degree in Health Science, or equivalent with a Masters in Public Health

6.            EXPERIENCE:

Essential

•              3-year experience working with SA DOH.

•              3-year experience working in public health programs supporting care and treatment.,

•              Experience working with development partners and communities.

•              Understanding of the public health aspects of diabetes and the NCD response in SA

Desirable

•              Experience working with UN organization

7.            USE OF LANGUAGE

•              Expert knowledge of English

•              Demonstration of good writing skills

8.            GRADE: SSA

9.            PROPOSED LEVEL: NOC

10.         PROPOSED PERIOD:  12 Months with possibility of renewal subject to performance.

11.         CLOSING DATE: 31st October 2024

Interested and suitably qualified parties should apply via WHO Stellis application site: http://www.who.int/careers/en/  on or  before the 31st October 2024