NP-RFQ-0191 - RFQ-Consultant for chatbot revision on safe abortion

Ipas works globally with a vision that every woman and girl has the right and ability to determine her own sexuality and reproductive health. Ipas Nepal has been providing technical support to initiate and expand evidence informed Safe Abortion and contraception services across the country since the legalization of abortion in 2002. Beside this, Ipas Nepal has been rigorously working for on responding Gender-Based Violence, linkage of climate change, gender, and SRHR, Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and Humanitarian context and SRHR. Ipas Nepal works intensively with the MoHP, Ministry of Forest and Environment, Ministry of Women Children and Senior Citizens, the Department of Health Services (DoHS) and different divisions, centers, and organizations at the Federal level while working closely with the province government and Local Government.Ipas Nepal has been implementing Improving the Journey of People Using Medication Abortion in South Asia in Nepal. The project focuses on refining successful interventions, potentially bringing them to different geographies or to a larger scale, while simultaneously developing and testing new ideas and approaches to improve the journey of women and girls in south-asia using medication abortion. One of the key problem of individuals navigating their abortion journey have limited access to medically accurate, truth worthy and personalized information. This gap leaves them feeling anxious, fearful, and isolated during one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Thus, Ipas Nepal is currently designing an innovation on Digital Accompaniment model- where users gain access to personalized, medically accurate information/support in their local language at anytime during their abortion journey through a Messenger-based chatbot, with assurance of privacy and confidentiality.Ipas Nepal, Visible Impact and Nepal Applied Mathematics and Informatics Institute for research (NAAMII) to revise, refine and update the existing chatbot.Objective of the assignment The consultant will support Ipas Nepal in developing content on safe abortion for First Trimester and At or after 13 weeks abortion including types of abortion procedures, medicine information, certified health facilities for abortion referral, Helpline services (Government and Nongovernment) and myth & facts regarding abortion. The content must be framed in three specific journey of abortion which includes but not limited to: 1) Before Abortion (Decision-making & options)2) During Abortion: Personalized information and experience-based guidance (example: type of abortion taken, problem faced, pain management).3) After Abortion: example: symptom check for red-flag, symptoms that need clinic referral, mental health support, Information on contraception and fertility return, referral to trusted clinics for post-abortion care & contraceptionDetail activities of the assignment Literature review • Review of existing relevant national policies, guidelines, toolkits, frameworks on and Information and Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) • Integration of data on abortion services, recent global, regional and national evidences Revision of Knowledge bank and content • Revise and update the content in knowledge bank on:  Medical abortion pills and their use  Abortion safety and effectiveness  Side effects and expected symptoms  Warning signs, red flag and emergency care  Post abortion care  Contraception  general information regarding conception, unintended pregnancy, abortion, unsafe abortion, safe abortion  Public and private service options and choices  Cost and availability of services  Privacy and confidentiality  Abortion journeys and pathways  other content as suggested by Ipas Nepal • Integrate 100–150 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) based on the revised content from dignity and respectful safe abortion care lens for the user • Revise and update the content based on the feedback from the field testing Technological update • Update web-based chatbot and device Meta business suite (messenger) based chatbot based on the scope of work • Integration of privacy, confidentiality, data security, data storage and explicit consent process in the chatbot • Integration of data deletion features • Ensure no or minimal personal data required for the registration or for the chatbot use, and mechanism to view, correct, or request deletion of their personal information. • Integration of audio, video and other reading materials for user • Develop user friendly interface with name, logo and other branding relevant details • Include referral pathways and follow-up site options for abortion seeker, and digital platforms including helplines • Integrate gestational calculator in the chatbot • Ensure maximum quota of queries and fast response • Review of the content and FAQs for empathetic, non-judgmental and supportive tone and language (machine learning) • Implement Network Time Protocol (NTP) Synchronization Using NIC/NPL-Approved Sources • Transfer hosting and licensing/product to NHEICC • Maintain user safety and escalation protocols • Establish a data breach and cybersecurity notification process • Facilitate and support during field testing of the chatbot • Develop dashboard for easy access to key performance indicators • Development / integration of content in Nepali • Annual Maintenance for 2 yearsCoordination and collaboration • Periodic review meeting with Ipas Nepal, Visible Impact and Naamii • Attend coordination meeting with FWD and NHEICC for approval of contentTimeline The consultant should accomplish the tasks by December 2026.Deliverables • Develop inception report with the method, timeline and deliverables • Final report with the framework, source code and other related materials later to be hand overed to NHEICC.• Source code, Backend orientation to Ipas and NHEICC staff, user guide for admin and client/beneficiaries.Submission Deadline: 9 August 2026

Events & Timeline

Attachments

• Scope_of_work_vendor_chatbot.docx