VN047 - A Short-term Consultant to develop National Clinical Practical Guidelines in Psychological Interventions for mental health in Viet Nam

Background

Over 13.5 million people are living with a mental health condition in Viet Nam, including common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. The suicide rate is 5.87 per 100 000, and the treatment gap is estimated at more than 90%. Pharmacotherapy is the predominant treatment modality available; psychotherapy, rehabilitation services, social support and other non-pharmacological interventions are very limited.

In 2022, the Viet Nam Ministry of Health (MoH) approved a National Action Plan for NCD and Mental Health Disorders 2022-2025. The action plan is aligned with WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 and the recently endorsed Regional Framework for the Future of Mental Health in the Western Pacific 2023-2030. Among the key strategies of the framework is to “transform mental health support and care into a community-based ecosystem of health and social services … enabled by an expanded and well-trained mental health workforce delivering the full range of interventions.”

In line with these policy documents, the MoH recently approved Circular No17/2022/TT-BYT issuing regulations on mental health examination and treatment of health facilities. These regulations took effect on 15 February 2023 and expands the scope of mental health services offered in the community to include non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) such as psychological interventions (PIs) These regulations also support the further integration of mental health into primary health care (PHC). To support its implementation, clinical practice guidelines are needed to inform the implementation of PIs in community settings and capacity building activities. The Medical Service Administration (MSA), the focal point of MOH to develop the clinical practice guidelines on PIs asked technical and financial support from WHO to develop the guidelines. The MSA also asked WHO’s support for development of related regulations such as licensing HCWs and scope of practice on PIs for each type of HCWs.

To develop the guidelines, MOH will establish a drafting committee chaired by a leader of MSA. Members of the committee are experts from related Department of MOH and national institutions.  A working group will also be established to support the Drafting Committee in the development of the guidelines. After the draft of the guidelines is available, the MSA will organize some consultation meetings to get comments to finalize the draft and then submit them to MOH for approval.

Planned timelines.

Start date:  01 October 2023

End date:   31 December 2023

Address for applications:
Administrative Officer
World Health Organization
UN Building, 304 Kim Ma Street, Hanoi, Viet Nam
Or by email at: wpvnmapplicants@who.int

Note: applicants should indicate vacancy notice number and title of position in the email subject