WHO - Call for experts for the Advisory Group on the Bacterial Priority Pathogen List

WHO call for experts
 

for the advisory group on the bacterial priority pathogen list

Open date:                                                                           16th July 2021

Submission deadline for expression of interest:             1st September 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) is seeking experts to serve as members of the Advisory Group on the Bacterial Priority Pathogen List (AG BPPL). This “Call for experts” document provides information about the advisory group and the expert profiles being sought for the group. The document also provides information on the process to express interest, and the process of selection.

Background

In 2015 the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the Global action plan (GAP) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The plan consists of five strategic objectives aimed at: (1) improving awareness around AMR; (2) strengthening surveillance; (3) reducing and preventing infections; (4) optimizing the use of antimicrobials; and (5) increasing the investment in new health products, including the research and development (R&D) of new antibiotics.

In 2017 WHO developed the first bacterial priority pathogens list (WHO BPPL) to guide investments in R&D of new antibiotics. The list highlighted 13 bacterial pathogens as well as tuberculosis (TB). The antibiotic resistant bacteria in the priority list were classified into three tiers: critical, high and medium.

Since its launch the WHO PPL has shaped the antibacterial R&D landscape, heavily influencing public and private investors and funders of R&D. The BPPL has also emerged as tool for raising AMR awareness, informing infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship interventions.

Functions of the Advisory Group

The mandate of the AG-BPPL is:

1. To provide independent scientific and technical advice to WHO for future revisions of the BPPL.
2. To provide advice and input to WHO on the criteria to be used in the prioritization exercise to update the BPPL, including criteria definitions, and levels (scores).
3. To fill knowledge gaps in the literature for the selected pathogens in relation to the defined criteria for prioritization.
4. To review and analyse scientific information to update the BPPL based on the criteria established for the revision and update.
5. To review systematic reviews, provide feedback and fill knowledge gaps based on expertise.
6. Provide input to WHO as needed to inform the assignment of weights to the pathogens in the prioritization exercise.
7. As advised by WHO, to participate and provide support and input during the future updates of the BPPL.
8. To review and provide technical advice and support to WHO on relevant publications based on the BPPL.

More information can be found on Terms of Reference of the AG BPPL.

Ways of working of the Advisory Group

The AG-BPPL is expected to meet regularly; at least once a year. WHO may convene additional meetings. AG-BPPL meetings may be held in person at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland or another location, as determined by WHO. AG-BPPL may also be held virtually, via video or teleconference. The working language of the Advisory Group will be English.

Who can express interest?

The AG BPPL will be multidisciplinary, with members who have a range of technical knowledge, skills and experience relevant to bacterial infection diseases and antimicrobial resistance (such as microbiology, epidemiology, infection diseases, and public health.  Approximately 18 members may be selected.

WHO welcomes expressions of interest from scientist, microbiologist, epidemiologist, healthcare professionals, infectious diseases practitioners, public health specialists or other relevant disciplines with expertise in the following areas:

• Bacterial infectious diseases in the community and hospitals
• Antimicrobial resistance, surveillance, prevention and control;
• Epidemiology of communicable diseases
• Molecular biology and epidemiology of bacterial resistance
• Infectious diseases management
• Health systems, especially in low and middle-income countries

Submitting your expression of interest

To register your interest for consideration to the AG BPPL, please submit the following documents by 1 September 2021 23:59 Geneva time to antibacterialpipeline@who.int using the subject line “Expression of interest for the AG BPPL”. To apply please provide us with:

• A cover letter, indicating your motivation to apply and how you satisfy the selection criteria. Please note that, if selected, membership will be in a personal capacity. Therefore, do not use the letterhead or other identification of your employer);
• Datacall form (Enclosed)
• Your curriculum vitae; and
• A signed and completed Declaration of Interests (DOI) form for WHO Experts, available at https://www.who.int/about/ethics/declarations-of-interest.

After submission, your expression of interest will be reviewed by WHO. Due to an expected high volume of interest, only selected individuals will be informed.

Further information regarding the selection process and conditions of appointment is available on the who website.