USAID Community Health Activity

The USAID Community Health Activity, referenced as NOFO 72062025RFA00003, seeks to improve health outcomes in Nigeria through increased adoption and sustained practice of priority health behaviors, services, and products. With up to $35,000,000 in funding available, USAID aims to partner with local Nigerian organizations to address critical health challenges in maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and nutrition. Applications are due by January 24, 2025, with questions accepted until January 8, 2025. The period of performance is anticipated to be five years, starting upon award. The program's objectives include improving health behaviors at individual and community levels, operationalizing a redesigned community-based health worker program, and strengthening community-led health governance and accountability systems. It targets critical health issues, such as maternal and child mortality, communicable diseases, and non-communicable health risks. Specific interventions include scaling up Social Behavior Change (SBC) and Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategies, expanding access to community-based health services, and enhancing community knowledge and advocacy for health system improvements. Eligible applicants are restricted to local Nigerian entities, defined as organizations legally registered in Nigeria, with majority Nigerian ownership and governance. Faith-based organizations and new or underutilized partners are encouraged to apply. The activity supports collaborative approaches, including partnerships with government agencies, community-based organizations, and private health entities. Applicants are expected to propose innovative, data-driven solutions to address gaps in service delivery and behavior adoption while fostering gender equity and inclusivity. Key focus areas include improving behaviors such as antenatal care attendance, skilled birth attendance, exclusive breastfeeding, and immunization uptake. The activity will leverage the recently redesigned Community-Based Health Worker (CBHW) program, which integrates skilled and lay health workers to provide essential services and link communities to primary health care systems. Applicants may need to provide short-term funding for CBHW salaries while facilitating their integration into government payroll systems. USAID emphasizes community ownership, requiring applicants to engage local stakeholders, including civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, and community health committees. Activities should include capacity building for governance structures, development of community feedback mechanisms, and advocacy for transparent and responsive health services. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal that includes a technical approach, monitoring and evaluation plan, and sustainability strategy. Proposals should outline measurable objectives aligned with USAID's goals and describe how the applicant will address barriers to health service access and adoption of healthy behaviors. Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with program goals, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential for sustainable impact. This funding opportunity presents a significant opportunity for Nigerian organizations to collaborate with USAID in addressing the country's pressing health challenges. Interested parties should consult the full NOFO and submit questions or applications through the specified channels by the stated deadlines.