Consultancy for epidemiologist
A joint initiative on ageing and immunization is currently being undertaken by the Departments of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, and Ageing and Life Course, at the World Health Organization.
As part of its research agenda, WHO is looking for proposals for a consultant with expertise in epidemiology to undertake a comprehensive review and critical appraisal of the evidence concerning the infectious disease burden in the ageing population of developing countries.
Specific objectives of the consultancy are:
- to identify the main causes of infectious disease morbidity and mortality in adult and ageing populations;
- to determine the prevalence and distribution of these conditions globally;
- to geographically map key viral and bacterial infections, as well as parasitic diseases, in the elderly of low- and middle-income countries. In particular, to assess the impact of global infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases on the elderly population in developing countries; and
- to describe, and summarize the evidence for, hypothesized mechanisms that may explain high burdens of infectious diseases (e.g. malnutrition and environmental exposure).
The work requires expertise in the field of epidemiology of infectious diseases and immunology or vaccinology. Links or access to geriatric specialists in resource-limited countries may be necessary to complete the review. WHO is looking for a consultant for up to eight months, with funding in in the range of US$ 60 000- 80 000, to be determined according to expertise and qualifications.
All applications, using the form at the link below, together with the curriculum vitae of the prinicipal investigator, should be sent by e-mail to Dr Teresa Aguado, Coordinator, Product Research and Development, at aguadom@who.int, before 15 October 2011.