Combination prevention solutions to reach epidemic control among high risk, priority populations in high burden areas in South Africa (SA) under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

The CDC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) CDC-RFA-JG-25-0057 focuses on implementing combination prevention solutions to address HIV and TB epidemic control in high-burden areas of South Africa under PEPFAR. The program emphasizes targeted interventions for high-risk and priority populations, including adolescents, young adults, and their families, particularly in 27 PEPFAR-priority districts. The initiative aims to reduce HIV incidence, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence (GBV), and improve access to prevention and treatment services, supporting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. The program's purpose is to enhance HIV prevention, testing, care, and treatment by scaling up evidence-based biomedical, behavioral, and structural interventions. These include antiretroviral therapy (ART), PrEP, post-violence care, and community-based educational efforts promoting healthy behaviors and gender norms. Activities are aligned with South Africa's national health priorities, leveraging existing systems and partnerships to foster sustainable health outcomes. The approach emphasizes collaboration with the South African government, district health teams, and community stakeholders to create integrated, youth-responsive services. Total funding for Year 1 is estimated at $25 million, with awards spanning five years and potentially divided among up to two recipients. Eligible applicants include governmental and non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, for-profits, and international entities, with a preference for local South African partners, which can earn an additional 30 points during merit review. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to implement and manage the program effectively within South Africa. Applications are due by February 20, 2025, and must include a project narrative (limited to 20 pages), a budget narrative, work plans, organizational charts, and key personnel resumes. Submissions must also feature an evaluation and performance measurement plan and, if applicable, documentation to qualify for the PEPFAR local partner preference. Grants.gov is the primary submission platform. The application will be assessed on approach, organizational capacity, and monitoring and evaluation plans, with a total of 100 points available. Successful applicants will be notified by August 2025, with projects beginning in September. Post-award, recipients must adhere to rigorous reporting requirements, including annual performance reports, expenditure data, and evaluations. Monitoring activities will include site visits, technical support, and ongoing data reviews to ensure alignment with program objectives and compliance with CDC and PEPFAR standards. This NOFO seeks to build on the success of previous initiatives like DREAMS and align with South Africa's epidemic context. By prioritizing high-impact interventions and fostering local capacity, the program aims to address critical gaps in HIV prevention and care, ultimately contributing to the control of the epidemic in South Africa.