The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has announced a forecasted cooperative agreement to support life-saving HIV services and related health systems in Zambia. This initiative aligns with the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and is designed to strengthen Zambia’s capacity to manage, sustain, and eventually transition HIV response activities to national ownership. The program reflects CDC’s long-standing commitment to global health security and the pursuit of epidemic control through data-driven, sustainable solutions implemented in partnership with host governments.
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to maintain and expand access to high-quality HIV prevention, care, and treatment services in Zambia while reinforcing the underlying health systems that sustain them. The program emphasizes strengthening local leadership within Zambia’s Ministry of Health (MOH), enhancing service delivery across provinces, districts, and communities, and integrating monitoring and evaluation processes to ensure measurable progress. Clinical support will focus on treatment optimization, laboratory services, adherence support, and retention in care, with complementary efforts to improve the efficiency and accountability of health system management.
Funding under this opportunity will take the form of a cooperative agreement, which allows CDC to engage directly with implementing partners. The anticipated total funding available for the first fiscal year is approximately $120 million, subject to availability of funds. While the forecast currently lists award ceilings and floors at zero, this is a placeholder pending official release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). CDC expects to make up to four awards through this mechanism. No cost sharing or matching requirements are anticipated for applicants.
Eligible applicants include a broad range of U.S. and international entities such as state, county, and city governments; Native American tribal governments and organizations; public housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; educational institutions; and for-profit entities including small businesses. Proposals should demonstrate experience in HIV program delivery, systems strengthening, and collaboration with government health authorities in Zambia or similar contexts. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with the host government to ensure alignment with national health strategies.
Applications are expected to open in December 2025, with an estimated deadline of February 17, 2026. All submissions must be made electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. The award announcement and project start date are anticipated for September 30, 2026. Questions related to this opportunity should be directed to the CDC’s Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis at pepfarfoas@cdc.gov. The opportunity remains in forecast status as of October 16, 2025, with official details to follow in the finalized NOFO publication.
