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Qualifications
Background
Cancer is a growing public health challenge in Ghana, with breast, cervical, liver, and prostate cancers being the most prevalent. Late diagnosis, financial barriers, and limited treatment infrastructure contribute to high mortality rates from cancer. In response to the growing burden of cancer, Ghana has developed its first national cancer control strategy in 2011and a revised strategy for 2021-2025 to enhance access to prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care. The country introduced key initiatives such as HPV vaccination, breast and cervical cancer screening, and has made efforts to integrate cancer care into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited access to radiotherapy, and workforce shortages persist. Strengthening primary healthcare, expanding NHIS coverage, and investing in cancer treatment infrastructure are crucial for improving cancer outcomes in Ghana.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Ministry of Health in Ghana has expressed a strong commitment to improving cancer management through development of harmonized cancer management guidelines for Ghana to standardize cancer management.
Purpose of the Consultancy
The purpose of this consultancy is to support the development of harmonized cancer management guidelines for Ghana through a comprehensive desk review and the preparation of an initial draft of the guidelines. The consultant will review existing national and international cancer management guidelines, identify gaps and inconsistencies, and incorporate best practices aligned with WHO recommendations and other normative reference documents.
The consultancy will provide a foundation for a standardized, evidence-based approach to cancer care in Ghana, ensuring consistency in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up across different levels of the health system. The developed guidelines will serve as a key resource for policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders in strengthening cancer management, improving patient outcomes, and reducing mortality rates.
Planned Timelines:
Start date:ย 01 September 2025ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย End date: 31 November 2025
Total duration: 3 months
Specific Objectives of the Consultancy
Conduct a Desk Review of Existing Guidelines
Review and analyze current national cancer management guidelines, policies, and protocols in Ghana.
Assess international best practices, including WHO recommendations, international guidelines and other relevant normative reference documents
Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas requiring alignment or improvement in existing guidelines.
Develop the First Draft of Harmonized Cancer Management Guidelines
Synthesize findings from the desk review to propose a structured framework for harmonized cancer management guidelines.
Ensure alignment with international standards and best practices while considering the local healthcare context, infrastructure, and resources.
Develop evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for priority cancers, including breast, cervical and childhood cancer aligned to WHO guidance for guidelines development.
Ensure Stakeholder Alignment and Integration
Participate in strategic and technical dialogues with the Ministry of Health and work with the assigned MOH focal point and WHO country office focal point to develop the draft guidelines
Identify and recommend health system requirements for successful implementation of the guidelines a
Incorporate inputs and feedback from key national stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, oncologists, and other relevant experts to the draft guidelines.
Prepare a Final Draft for Stakeholder Review and Validation
Develop a comprehensive first draft of the harmonized cancer management guidelines.
Facilitate the budget impact analysis of the final guidelines in collaboration with WHO
Outline key areas for discussion and validation by stakeholders.
Provide technical support in preparing for stakeholder engagement and validation meetings and finalization of the guidelines.
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ย Deliverables
Inception Report (Including Work Plan and Methodology) [1 weeks]
A detailed work plan outlining the approach, methodology, and timeline for the consultancy.
A summary of key reference materials and initial findings from the desk review.
Desk Review Report [2 weeks]
A comprehensive analysis of existing national cancer management guidelines, policies, and protocols.
A synthesis of international best practices, including WHO guidelines and the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI), Cervical Cancer Eliminationย and GICC.
Identification of gaps, inconsistencies, and key areas for alignment.
Annotated Outline of the Harmonized Cancer Management Guidelines [3 weeks]
A structured framework for the guidelines, including key sections and proposed content areas.
Initial recommendations for standardizing cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care in Ghana.
Draft Harmonized Cancer Management Guidelines [4 weeks]
The first full draft of the harmonized guidelines, incorporating findings from the desk review.
Alignment with global best practices while considering Ghanaโs healthcare context and resources.
Evidence-based recommendations for cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care aligned to WHO guidance here.
Stakeholder Consultation and Feedback Report [1 week]
Summary of feedback from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, oncologists, and other experts.
Revised draftย based on stakeholder input.
Facilitate a TWG meeting to review draft guidelines
Finalized First Draft of the Harmonized Cancer Management Guidelines [1 week]
A refined version of the guidelines incorporating stakeholder feedback.
Recommendations for implementation, capacity-building, and integration into the national health system.
Annotate key recommendations with reference to international best practices, WHO and national recommendations and other normative reference sources
Consultancy Completion Report [1 week]
Summary of activities undertaken, key findings, and recommendations for next steps.
Challenges encountered and suggested solutions for effective implementation.
Qualification
1. Academic Qualifications
Advanced degree (Masterโs or PhD) in Public Health, Oncology, Medicine, Health Policy, Epidemiology, or a related field.
Additional certification or specialized training in cancer management, health systems strengthening, or guideline development is an asset.
2. Technical Expertise and Experience
Minimum of 10 years of experience in cancer control, clinical oncology, health policy development, or public health programming.
Proven experience in developing national or international health guidelines, protocols, or policy documents, preferably related to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.
Strong background in health system strengthening, evidence-based medicine, and guideline harmonization.
Experience conducting desk reviews, data synthesis, and gap analysis in healthcare service delivery.
Familiarity with global best practices, including WHO guidelines, the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI), and other international cancer management frameworks.
Experience working with government health institutions, international organizations (WHO, IARC, IAEA, etc.), and national cancer control programs.
3. Skills and Competencies
Excellent research and analytical skills to review and synthesize technical documents and scientific literature.
Strong technical writing and report development skills, with experience drafting clinical guidelines, policy briefs, or strategic plans.
Ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare professionals, academia, civil society, and international partners.
Strong facilitation skills to conduct stakeholder consultations, key informant interviews, and validation meetings.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and relevant data analysis tools.
4. Language and Work Experience
Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
Prior experience working in Ghana or similar low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings is highly desirable.
Familiarity with Ghanaโs health system, national cancer control policies, and key stakeholders is an advantage.
Activity Coordination and reporting
The Ghana Ministry of Health will provide access to relevant national documents, the Ghana WHO country office will provide administrative and financial management of the contract, facilitate communication with key stakeholders and coordinate necessary approvals. WHO HQ and AFRO Office will provide technical guidance and oversight.
The consultant will report to WHO CO.
Total remuneration / Contract value (exclusive of per diem, travel costs or other expenses)
Total Amount (please specify currency):ย
Quote to be provided by possible consultant (anticipated approx. USD 14000)
Payment Schedule
25% upon signing of the contract and 75% upon completion of work and submission of invoice and final report.
Place of assignment
Home-based
Travel
No travel planned