The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced a forecasted cooperative agreement titled “Enhancing sustainable and integrated health, strategic information, and laboratory systems for quality comprehensive HIV services through technical assistance to the Republic of Rwanda under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).” This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen and sustain national HIV/AIDS health systems in Rwanda by supporting integrated service delivery, workforce development, and laboratory network optimization as part of the ongoing PEPFAR partnership between the United States and the Republic of Rwanda.
The program builds on previous CDC initiatives, specifically the CDC-RFA-GH21-2142 cooperative agreement, focusing on bolstering health system resilience beyond service delivery. The objective is to enhance the country’s capacity to maintain epidemic control while transitioning toward a sustainable, country-led public health response. This includes supporting district hospitals, health centers, and laboratory networks across Rwanda. The technical assistance will reinforce system-level capabilities such as data management, monitoring and evaluation, and continuous quality improvement of HIV-related services.
The scope of this opportunity covers technical support in several priority areas, including workforce capacity building, service quality improvement, patient data system strengthening, and viral suppression optimization. Funding will also support the laboratory testing network through improved specimen referral systems, timely result dissemination, and monitoring mechanisms that ensure accurate diagnostics and continuity of care. These interventions are aligned with PEPFAR’s goal to maintain epidemic control while integrating HIV services into the broader health system and ensuring preparedness for other public health emergencies.
CDC anticipates an approximate total fiscal year funding amount of $1,000,000 for the first year, contingent on fund availability. Although the Year 1 award ceiling is currently listed as zero in the forecast notice, this figure will be updated upon release of the final NOFO. Cost sharing or matching is not required. Only one award is expected under this opportunity, which will operate as a cooperative agreement, reflecting substantial CDC involvement in program implementation, technical guidance, and evaluation oversight.
Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities such as state, local, and tribal governments, institutions of higher education (both public and private), nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), and for-profit organizations including small businesses. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by February 17, 2026, no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The estimated post date is December 2, 2025, and the anticipated award and project start dates are both September 30, 2026. As this is a forecasted opportunity, details such as application materials, review criteria, and submission forms will be finalized closer to the publication date.
Questions regarding this opportunity can be directed to the CDC’s Division of Global HIV & TB (DGHT) via email at pepfarfoas@cdc.gov. The cooperative agreement supports the Government of Rwanda’s transition toward locally sustained health systems that can maintain HIV epidemic control and respond effectively to emerging health threats.
Coordinate early with CDC Rwanda team and align with PEPFAR data frameworks.
