Strengthening civil society organizations' capacity and coordination to accelerate HIV epidemic control in Uganda by implementing comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment for key and priority populations under PEPFAR

The grant titled "Strengthening Civil Society Organizations' Capacity and Coordination to Accelerate HIV Epidemic Control in Uganda" under PEPFAR (Opportunity number: CDC-RFA-JG-25-0045) aims to enhance the ability of civil society organizations (CSOs) to provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment services to key and priority populations in Uganda. This program is funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with a focus on achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2030 and overcoming barriers to equitable healthcare access. Applications are due by February 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, with an anticipated start date of September 30, 2025. The program's objective is to address high HIV prevalence in specific populations such as female sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and transgender persons. Additional focus includes fisher folk, truck drivers, and adolescent girls and young women. The initiative will improve technical and financial capacities of CSOs to manage HIV/AIDS programs, address legal and structural barriers to healthcare, and enhance data systems for better service quality. Funding for the first year is projected at $10 million, with one or two awards expected. Applicants may not request more than the allocated total for Year 1. The funding strategy emphasizes component-based budgets, with activities structured into six categories including quarterly targets and emerging public health priorities. Continuation funding for subsequent years depends on the availability of funds and satisfactory program performance. Eligibility is broad, allowing participation from local and international organizations, nonprofits, for-profits, academic institutions, tribal entities, and others, provided they operate within Uganda. The program prioritizes local partners, offering a 30-point scoring advantage during merit review if documentation supports local partner status as defined by PEPFAR guidelines. Applicants must submit detailed project narratives addressing strategies to enhance CSO capacity, overcome systemic barriers, and deliver integrated HIV services. These submissions must include a work plan, evaluation and performance measurement plans, budget narratives, and specific attachments such as resumes, organizational charts, and evidence of financial capability. Applications are subject to strict page limits and formatting requirements. Merit review criteria allocate 45 points for the technical approach, 30 points for organizational capacity, and 25 points for data, monitoring, and evaluation strategies. Funding decisions consider merit scores, alignment with PEPFAR priorities, and potential impact on epidemic control. Post-award requirements include adherence to reporting standards such as financial and performance reports, evaluations, and data management plans. The CDC will monitor implementation through site visits, progress assessments, and collaboration with recipients to achieve program outcomes. Successful applicants are expected to foster partnerships with Uganda's Ministry of Health, other stakeholders, and local communities to ensure sustainable and equitable HIV service delivery.