Improving quality of care and health outcomes through innovative systems and technologies in Malawi under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

The CDC's Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), titled "Improving Quality of Care and Health Outcomes through Innovative Systems and Technologies in Malawi under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)," aims to enhance Malawi's health information systems (HIS) to support HIV/AIDS epidemic control. This initiative targets the development and modernization of electronic medical record systems, laboratory information systems, and integrated health information technologies to improve data quality, reporting accuracy, and patient care outcomes. The application deadline is February 21, 2025, with projects anticipated to start on September 30, 2025. This program will provide a total of $7,000,000 in Year 1 funding, with an estimated 1–2 cooperative agreements awarded. The program spans five years, offering yearly funding contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of funds, and alignment with federal goals. The initiative prioritizes expanding the existing Malawi Health Information System (MaHIS) to ensure interoperability across various health data systems, addressing connectivity challenges, and building the Ministry of Health's (MOH) capacity to maintain and govern these systems. It also emphasizes data security and compliance with international standards, including OpenMRS, OpenHIE, and ISO guidelines. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as governmental, nongovernmental, nonprofit, for-profit organizations, and local entities meeting PEPFAR’s local partner definition. Projects must be conducted in Malawi, and applicants must demonstrate experience in managing health information systems, technical capacity for implementation, and collaboration with Malawi's MOH and other stakeholders. The application requires detailed narratives, budgets, work plans, data management strategies, and evidence of organizational capacity. A preference is given to local partners, which can add 15 points to the merit review score. Proposals will be evaluated on three key criteria: approach (40 points), organizational capacity (35 points), and data monitoring and evaluation plans (25 points). Additional points will be granted for applications that meet PEPFAR's local partner funding preference. The review process emphasizes feasibility, sustainability, and alignment with the program's goals, including data accuracy, enhanced reporting mechanisms, and improved patient care. Post-award requirements include annual and final performance reports, detailed evaluation plans, and compliance with CDC's data management and security standards. Grantees must also submit routine updates on program implementation, system functionality, and progress toward defined outcomes. The CDC will provide substantial involvement, including technical assistance, training, and oversight to ensure alignment with PEPFAR’s strategic goals. This NOFO represents an opportunity to contribute to global health security by strengthening Malawi’s health information infrastructure, improving HIV care, and fostering sustainable health system management. Interested applicants should begin preparations promptly, including securing required registrations on SAM.gov and Grants.gov, to meet the February 21, 2025, deadline. For further information, applicants are encouraged to review the NOFO document and contact the CDC for guidance.