Strengthening the technical capacity of the Ministry of Health to deliver a sustainable and resilient response to HIV/TB and related public health threats in the Kingdom of Eswatini under PEPFAR

The funding opportunity titled Strengthening the Technical Capacity of the Ministry of Health to Deliver a Sustainable and Resilient Response to HIV and TB and Related Public Health Threats in the Kingdom of Eswatini focuses on enhancing the Eswatini Ministry of Health's ability to manage and oversee HIV, TB, and related health programs. This cooperative agreement, under PEPFAR, aims to build national and regional capacity to address gaps in health service delivery, integrate evidence-based approaches, and transition to sustainable, locally led systems. The program's strategies include supporting strategic planning, policy development, and implementation to strengthen HIV and TB prevention, care, and treatment systems. Workforce capacity will be enhanced through innovative training, mentorship, and continuous quality improvement programs. The initiative will also institutionalize data use for program monitoring, decision-making, and performance management. Additional efforts will strengthen the organizational, financial, and technical capacity of local health service delivery entities, including community-based and faith-based organizations. The expected outcomes of the program include improved ministry of health competencies in developing and implementing policies and strategies, increased workforce technical expertise for integrated HIV and TB services, and improved program performance through routine monitoring and quality improvement. The program also aims to strengthen local organizations to sustainably deliver services and effectively manage resources. Emphasis will be placed on addressing health disparities, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to services for key and vulnerable populations. The anticipated total funding for the first year is three million five hundred thousand dollars, with one to two awards expected. The performance period is five years, with the first budget period covering twelve months. Applications are open to a broad range of eligible entities, including state and local governments, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and foreign entities. All activities must take place in Eswatini and align with national and PEPFAR priorities. Applications must include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, work plan, and monitoring and evaluation plan. Additional required attachments include resumes of key personnel, an organizational chart, letters of commitment for sub-awardees, and financial capability statements. Applicants seeking consideration for the PEPFAR local partner funding preference must provide documentation demonstrating that they meet the local partner criteria. Applications are due by March 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time and must be submitted via Grants.gov. The review process includes an initial eligibility check, merit review, and risk assessment. Applications will be evaluated on the quality of the proposed approach, organizational capacity, and monitoring and evaluation plans. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of August 2025, with projects expected to begin on September 30, 2025. Reporting requirements include annual performance reports, financial reports, and compliance with PEPFAR monitoring and evaluation standards.