Engagement of Consultant to Lead the Gc7 Pmtct Annual Program Assessment at National AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections Control and Hepatitis Programme (NASCP)

Background:

• The Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s HIV response, contributing significantly to reductions in vertical transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Nigeria continues to bear a substantial burden of pediatric HIV infections, making the scale-up and optimization of PMTCT services a national priority. Under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7), Nigeria has expanded PMTCT services to additional antenatal care (ANC) sites, strengthened HIV testing and linkage for pregnant women (including community-based approaches), improved ART initiation and retention, and enhanced Early Infant Diagnosis (EID). Despite these gains, persistent challenges remain in service quality, implementation efficiency, coordination at state and LGA levels, and integration with other public health programmes such as TB, malaria, and MNCH. In line with accountability, learning, and continuous improvement principles, NASCP plans to conduct an annual PMTCT program assessment using a systems-strengthening lens to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for scale-up and sustainability. To support this process, NASCP seeks to engage a qualified consultant to lead the assessment.

Responsibilities:

Purpose of the Consultancy

• The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical leadership for the assessment of the performance, quality, efficiency, and integration of the PMTCT Scale-Up Programme under the GC7 grant, and to generate actionable, evidence-based recommendations to accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and HBV.

Objectives of the Consultancy

• The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:
• Document the structures, processes, and implementation modalities of the PMTCT programme under GC7.
• Assess the quality of service delivery across the PMTCT cascade, including ANC, HIV testing, ART initiation, retention, EID, and final outcomes for HIV-exposed infants.
• Evaluate the efficiency of the GC7 PMTCT implementation model and identify operational bottlenecks.
• Assess the level of integration of PMTCT services with TB, malaria, and MNCH programmes.
• Examine state- and LGA-level coordination, governance, and supervisory mechanisms supporting PMTCT implementation.
• Provide practical, evidence-informed recommendations for programme strengthening and sustainability.

Purpose of the Consultancy

• The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical leadership for the assessment of the performance, quality, efficiency, and integration of the PMTCT Scale-Up Programme under the GC7 grant, and to generate actionable, evidence-based recommendations to accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of HIV, syphilis, and HBV.

Objectives of the Consultancy

• The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:
• Document the structures, processes, and implementation modalities of the PMTCT programme under GC7.
• Assess the quality of service delivery across the PMTCT cascade, including ANC, HIV testing, ART initiation, retention, EID, and final outcomes for HIV-exposed infants.
• Evaluate the efficiency of the GC7 PMTCT implementation model and identify operational bottlenecks.
• Assess the level of integration of PMTCT services with TB, malaria, and MNCH programmes.
• Examine state- and LGA-level coordination, governance, and supervisory mechanisms supporting PMTCT implementation.
• Provide practical, evidence-informed recommendations for programme strengthening and sustainability.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, Health Systems, or related field
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in HIV/PMTCT programme evaluation or health systems assessments
• Strong knowledge of Global Fund programmes and Nigeria’s HIV response
• Proven experience in mixed-methods research and health programme assessments
• Excellent analytical, writing, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ethical Considerations
• All assessment activities must adhere to national ethical standards, ensure confidentiality, and protect participant rights. No identifiable personal data shall be included in reports.

Deliverables:

Scope of Work

• The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
• Programme Implementation Review
• Review GC7 PMTCT programme structures, implementation, funding flows, and roles of implementers (PRs, SRs, States, LGAs, IPs).
• Assess execution mechanisms including supply chain management, human resources, capacity building, data systems, and supervision.

Quality of Service Delivery

• Evaluate quality of ANC/PMTCT service delivery using agreed indicators, including:
  • ANC coverage
  • HIV testing uptake
  • ART initiation and retention
  • EID at 6 weeks and turnaround times
  • Final outcomes for HIV-exposed infants
  • Syphilis and HBV screening coverage
• Assess client experience, confidentiality, and adherence support mechanisms.

Efficiency of GC7 Implementation Model

• Analyze financial and human resource efficiency of PMTCT scale-up across conventional and unconventional service delivery sites.
• Identify operational bottlenecks such as funding delays, role duplication, and reporting inefficiencies.
• Explore opportunities to expand stakeholder participation, including civil society, private sector, and faith-based organizations.

Integration with Other Health Programmes

• Assess integration with TB/HIV collaborative activities.
• Review linkages with malaria and MNCH programmes.
• Identify opportunities for service integration, data harmonization, and joint supervision.

State and LGA Coordination

• Review coordination and governance structures at state and LGA levels.
• Assess functionality of HIV Technical Working Groups.
• Identify gaps and opportunities for improved alignment across levels.

Methodology

• The consultant will support a mixed-methods cross-sectional assessment conducted in 12 states (two per geopolitical zone). The methodology will include:
• Facility record reviews
• Structured interviews with healthcare workers and programme managers
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with pregnant women and mothers
• Direct facility observations
• Per state, the assessment will cover:
• Two conventional health facilities (tertiary/secondary/PHC)
• Two unconventional service delivery points (one outreach site and one TBA)
• Data collection will be conducted using electronic tools, with built-in quality assurance mechanisms.

Deliverables

• The consultant is expected to produce:
• Inception report including refined methodology and tools
• Finalized assessment tools
• Field supervision and quality assurance reports
• Cleaned and analyzed dataset
• Draft assessment report
• Final assessment report incorporating stakeholder feedback
• Presentation of findings to NASCP and key stakeholders

Timeline and Level of Effort

• The consultancy will span three (3) months (January – March 2026):
• Month 1: Desk review, tool development, stakeholder engagement
• Month 2: Field data collection and supervision
• Month 3: Data analysis, validation workshops, and reporting

Contracting & Accountability:

• The consultant shall be contracted by NASCP under the GC 7 grant. During the period of assignment s/he will be answerable to NASCP PMU lead as regards the deliverables. S/he will be expected to work with members of staff of NASCP, and other stakeholders. Payment will be made upon NASCPs certification of successful delivery of the deliverables as stipulated

Renumeration:

• S/he will be paid competitive fees for the agreed duration based on qualification and experience and in line with the approved rate for this assignment.