RADIOTHERAPY SERVICE PLANNING AND CAPACITY BUILDING CONSULTANT

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1. Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide specialized technical and strategic support to WHO Afghanistan, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), relevant national institutions and other stakeholders in planning and preparing the implementation of sustainable radiotherapy services in Afghanistan. The consultant will assess the current radiotherapy landscape, review progress against the most recent impact Mission recommendations, identify priority gaps and implementation dependencies, and develop practical recommendations related to service delivery, infrastructure, equipment, workforce, quality management, radiation safety and long-term sustainability.

1. Background

Cancer is an increasing public health concern in Afghanistan, while access to comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment remains limited. Radiotherapy is an essential component of cancer care and requires appropriate infrastructure, specialized equipment, trained personnel, radiation safety systems, quality assurance and sustainable maintenance arrangements.

Afghanistan has previously undertaken assessments and received recommendations concerning radiotherapy and cancer-control capacity, including through the most recent impact Mission process. WHO Afghanistan seeks to support national authorities in translating these recommendations into a realistic, coordinated and feasible approach for strengthening radiotherapy services. The service under consideration would be among the first radiotherapy services in Afghanistan, with a radiotherapy bunker reportedly ready and funding for procurement being explored through collaboration among WHO, the European Union and the de facto authorities.

The consultancy will focus on practical planning, coordination, capacity building and sustainability. Formal approval, procurement, construction, commissioning and clinical operation will remain the responsibility of the relevant authorities and technical organizations.

1. Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)

Start date: 01/11/2026