Strengthening the organizational 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 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled Strengthening the organizational 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 (Opportunity Number: CDC-RFA-JG-25-0072) is issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This cooperative agreement seeks to enhance the capacity of Eswatini's Ministry of Health (MOH) in leading, managing, and sustaining the response to HIV, TB, and related public health challenges. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the MOH in three core areas: strengthening leadership and governance, improving financial resource mobilization and management, and optimizing workforce planning and performance management. By focusing on these objectives, the program aims to bolster MOH’s ability to manage its HIV/TB response effectively and adapt to emerging public health threats, particularly as external donor funding remains constrained. The program also aligns with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets to reduce HIV prevalence and deaths. The expected total funding for the first year is $2,000,000, with a performance period of five years divided into 12-month budget periods. The award is expected to fund one to two recipients, subject to availability of funds and program priorities. Applications may not exceed the Year 1 funding cap. Component funding will allow activities to be supported incrementally by quarter based on available resources. Preference is given to local partners who meet PEPFAR’s local partner definition, with eligible entities receiving an additional 15 points during the selection process. Eligibility for this NOFO is unrestricted, meaning all types of organizations—including nonprofits, higher education institutions, small businesses, for-profit organizations, tribal governments, and foreign entities—may apply. However, all activities must be conducted in Eswatini. Applications must respond directly to the scope outlined in the NOFO, and proposals must be submitted in English by March 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time via Grants.gov. Applicants must submit a detailed application, including a project narrative limited to 20 pages, a work plan, a budget narrative, and various required attachments such as an experience statement, financial capability statement, organizational chart, and resumes of key personnel. The application should also include an evaluation and performance measurement plan that outlines data collection methods, monitoring systems, and clear performance indicators. Proposed activities should align with the NOFO’s three strategic priorities. Strategy 1 involves strengthening MOH leadership through initiatives like leadership development programs, process improvement, and enhanced communication. Strategy 2 focuses on financial stewardship, including developing robust internal controls, reporting systems, and accountability mechanisms to mobilize and manage resources effectively. Strategy 3 emphasizes optimizing workforce planning by addressing HR gaps, improving recruitment processes, aligning job descriptions, and ensuring reliable HR data systems. The evaluation criteria include scoring for approach (45 points), organizational capacity (30 points), and data, monitoring, and evaluation (25 points). Applications will undergo an initial responsiveness review, a merit review, and a final risk review before funding decisions are made. Notifications of award decisions are expected by the end of August 2025, with project start dates anticipated on September 30, 2025. Post-award monitoring includes routine evaluations, financial and performance reporting, and site visits to assess program implementation. Recipients are required to submit annual progress reports, financial reports, and human resource inventory updates. Additionally, recipients must comply with PEPFAR terms, relevant laws, and CDC’s reporting and management guidelines. This NOFO provides an opportunity for organizations to work collaboratively with Eswatini’s Ministry of Health to sustain the significant gains made in HIV/TB control and build a foundation for a resilient and sustainable public health system in the country.