Strengthening the HIV treatment and care program in Sierra Leone to accelerate progress to achieve epidemic control under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is forecasting a cooperative agreement to support the Government of Sierra Leone in achieving epidemic control of HIV. This effort aligns with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the global UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. The anticipated funding opportunity seeks to enhance the HIV treatment and care infrastructure in Sierra Leone by strengthening service delivery, supporting policy development, and building sustainable systems for care and monitoring. The primary goal of this funding opportunity is to support comprehensive HIV care through direct service delivery and technical assistance. It focuses on expanding the reach and quality of antiretroviral treatment (ART), improving retention in care for people living with HIV, and targeting populations of focus who may face additional barriers to treatment. The program also aims to improve data collection, monitoring, and strategic use of HIV-related information across various administrative levels, including community, facility, district, and national platforms. An important component of the program is to reinforce the technical and managerial capacity of Sierra Leone’s national and district health management teams, as well as civil society organizations. This includes enabling them to deliver high-quality, sustainable HIV services. At the national level, the program supports the development and implementation of policies, guidelines, advocacy materials, and procurement processes essential for HIV prevention, care, and treatment. Quality improvement and assurance are emphasized throughout all components. The cooperative agreement is expected to provide up to approximately $12,000,000 for the first year of funding, contingent upon federal appropriations. Although the award ceiling is listed as zero in the opportunity notice, CDC has indicated the actual anticipated funding level for Year 1. Matching funds are not required for applicants. One award is expected to be issued under this notice. Eligible applicants include a broad range of public, private, nonprofit, and for-profit entities such as state, local, and tribal governments, educational institutions, housing authorities, and various nonprofit organizations, both with and without 501(c)(3) status. The application process is expected to open around December 2, 2025, with a submission deadline of February 17, 2026. Awards are anticipated to be issued by September 30, 2026, with projects commencing on the same date. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59 PM ET on the deadline date. The main point of contact for the opportunity is DGHT NOFOs, reachable at [email protected]. This is a forecasted opportunity and may be subject to updates; applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov for the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) release.