Strengthening and modernizing sustainable public health systems and workforce in Uganda for data science, informatics, implementation science and surveys, and surveillance for timely, accurate, and integrated data for action under PEPFAR

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has released a forecasted funding opportunity to support the modernization of Uganda’s public health data systems and workforce development. This initiative is part of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and seeks to fortify Uganda's capacity to deliver real-time, accurate, and integrated data that drives informed decisions in the fight against HIV/AIDS and related health threats. The program centers on supporting Uganda’s Ministry of Health (MOH) in advancing its digital transformation agenda. It encompasses broad data architecture improvements including surveys, implementation science, electronic medical records, clinical indicator-based surveillance, disease surveillance systems, laboratory data integration, logistics and pharmaceutical management systems, community health data, and human resources development platforms. The initiative aims to close existing knowledge gaps by improving the accessibility and reliability of public health data. In addition to data collection, the initiative supports system-wide improvements such as data warehousing, integration, and central interoperability solutions. These components are intended to establish a sustainable digital health ecosystem in Uganda, enabling better epidemic intelligence and response mechanisms. The overarching goal is to reinforce decision-making frameworks in HIV and associated health programs by streamlining data systems across multiple levels and stakeholders. This funding opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating close collaboration between the awardee and CDC throughout the project lifecycle. Although the official award ceiling is currently listed as zero, CDC anticipates approximately $30 million in total fiscal year funding for the first year, contingent on appropriations. The program expects to make two awards under this announcement. Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations such as U.S.-based and international nonprofits, public and private institutions of higher education, government entities at the city, county, state, and tribal levels, housing authorities, and both small and large for-profit entities. Applications are anticipated to open in December 2025 and must be submitted electronically by March 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The project period is expected to begin on September 30, 2026, with awards issued on or before the same date. This grant opportunity does not require a cost match or cost-sharing arrangement. Interested applicants may direct their inquiries to the CDC’s DGHT NOFO inbox at [email protected]. Given the forecasted nature of this announcement, applicants should monitor the Grants.gov portal for updates and the official release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).