The Health Equity Fund (HEF) has been established to provide healthcare to individuals from poor households with the equity card, enabling them to receive both medical benefits at public health facilities and non-medical benefits, including travel allowance, food allowance for caretakers, and funeral allowance. As of December 2023, the HEF covers about 706,280 households with the equity card, which is equivalent to about 3 million people. [1]

The Health Equity Fund is a critical tool to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV and key populations (e.g., female entertainment workers, men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and people who inject drugs).

In Cambodia, the social protection system comprises social assistance and social security, aiming to reduce and prevent poverty, vulnerability, and inequality. Despite these efforts, coverage of KPs by the national social protection system has been limited. By end of December 2024, total 46,194 people living with HIV registered and received equity cards (EC) under the individual IDPoor at ART sites[2]. Additionally, 266 entertainment workers were registered under the HEF, since its roll-out in 2023, allowing them to access free health services[3].

There is a lack of specific surveys among people living with HIV and key population who are the cards holders to understand on satisfaction and barriers in using the cards to access HIV and other health services.

Objectives and Scope of works:

The primary objectives of this consultancy are:

1. To assess the level of satisfaction among people living with HIV and key populations using HEF or EC, while accessing HIV and health services.
2. To identify specific challenges and barriers faced by these groups in using HEF or EC in accessing healthcare services.
3. To assess the effectiveness of HEF or EC in meeting specific healthcare needs of people living with HIV and key populations.
4. To provide actionable recommendations for effective uses of HEF and EC and improve services delivery for people living with HIV and key populations who are HEF or EC holders.

Scope of works:

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Develop an inception report outlining the methodology, work plan, and data collection tools.
2. Develop assessment protocols, tools, and consent forms.
3. Submit the assessment protocol to the National Ethical Committee for Health Research (NECHR) of the Ministry of Health.
4. Address comments from the ethics committee.
5. Conduct a desk review of existing literature.
6. Conduct in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussion with PLHIV and key populations and relevant stakeholders (e.g., healthcare providers, NGOs, government agencies).
7. Analyze data based on identify key themes: satisfaction level, barriers, challenges…. etc.
8. Prepare a comprehensive report with findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
9. Present the findings to stakeholders and facilitate a workshop to discuss recommendations.
10. Share and disseminate results with key stakeholders.

Key deliverables:

The successful candidate will deliver the following deliverables:

1. Inception report outlining the methodology, work plan, and data collection tools.
2. Protocol for assessment, tools for submission to NECHR.
3. Draft assessment report for review by stakeholders.
4. Final report, including an executive summary, findings, and recommendations in both Khmer and English.
5. Presentation of findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Qualifications and experience required:

The minimum qualifications and experience required are:

• Advanced degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field.
• Proven experience in conducting surveys or assessments related to social protection support, healthcare access, HIV and AIDS, or key populations.
• Strong knowledge of the Cambodian healthcare system, particularly the social protection schemes and the Health Equity Card system.
• Experience working with PLHIV and key populations, with an understanding of their unique challenges.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Fluency in English and Khmer.

Duration and timeframe:

The consultancy assignment is expected to start in May 2025. The consultancy is expected to be completed within 20 days.

Reporting and coordination:

The consultant will be contacted directly with HACC Executive Director at hacc@hacccambodia.org or Tel number: 077 275 227.

Ethical Considerations:

The consultant must ensure that all data collection activities adhere to ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of participants' rights.

Application process:

Interested consultants should submit the following documents:

• A technical proposal outlining the methodology and work plan.
• A financial proposal with a detailed budget.
• CV(s) of the consultant(s) and examples of previous relevant work.
• Contact information

Applications should be submitted to Ms. Bun Monyrod, Admin and Finance Manager, by 08^th May 2025 at 4:00pm. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Contact information:

For further information, please contact Ms. Bun Monyrod/ Admin and Finance Manager, HACC. Address e-mail: afm@hacccambodia.org ; Tel Number: 012 786 565.

[1] Roadmap towards Universal Health Coverage in Cambodia 2024-2035; A. The Health Equity Fund, page7; April 2024.

[2] NCHADS database

[3] NAA NSP VI