2024 Community Grant Program

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is designed to advance the "One Health" approach by optimizing laboratory diagnostic networks and specimen transport systems specifically within Liberia. The core mission of this grant program aligns with a foundational objective to strengthen public health infrastructure through a holistic, interconnected strategy. This involves recognizing the interdependency of human, animal, and environmental health, thereby fostering a comprehensive and resilient diagnostic ecosystem capable of addressing a wide spectrum of health challenges in the region. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are the citizens of Liberia, as well as the various health and environmental agencies operating within the nation. The overarching impact goal is to enhance Liberia's capacity for disease surveillance, rapid diagnosis, and effective response to health threats, which in turn will improve public health outcomes and reduce the burden of preventable diseases. This grant program prioritizes the development of a robust, accredited national and sub-national laboratory network, ensuring that diagnostic capabilities are accessible across different geographical areas. Key focus areas include the innovation, implementation, and evaluation of strategies for optimizing diagnostic networks and specimen transport. This encompasses not only the physical transportation architecture necessary for moving human, animal, and environmental specimens point-to-point but also the critical optimization of digital communication, information, and supply chain systems. These digital components are essential for the efficient and sustainable operation of the entire network, ensuring timely data sharing and resource management. Expected outcomes include the establishment of a comprehensive, resource-mapped, and accredited laboratory network throughout Liberia. Measurable results will likely involve metrics such as increased diagnostic test throughput, reduced turnaround times for test results, improved specimen integrity during transport, enhanced data integration across health sectors, and a more resilient supply chain for laboratory commodities. The successful implementation of these measures will contribute directly to a strengthened health security framework in Liberia.