Strengthening national laboratory and HIV epidemiologic monitoring capacities and systems to enhance an efficient, resilient and self-reliant response to HIV, TB and related public health threats in the Kingdom of Eswatini under PEPFAR

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has announced a forecasted cooperative agreement opportunity titled “Strengthening national laboratory and HIV epidemiologic monitoring capacities and systems to enhance an efficient, resilient and self-reliant response to HIV, TB and related public health threats in the Kingdom of Eswatini under PEPFAR.” This program continues the United States’ long-standing support for the global HIV response through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which aims to strengthen health systems in partner countries to achieve epidemic control and sustain progress against HIV and tuberculosis. The program’s central objective is to enhance Eswatini’s national laboratory and disease surveillance infrastructure to improve its capacity to detect, monitor, and respond to HIV, TB, and related public health threats. Funding will support the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini in improving laboratory operations, ensuring quality assurance, and optimizing national diagnostic and data systems. Emphasis will be placed on integrating laboratory and clinical information systems, strengthening sample referral networks, and building sustainable local capacity for ongoing laboratory certification and proficiency testing. CDC anticipates that the project will enable Eswatini’s Ministry of Health and related institutions to maintain self-reliant, efficient, and interoperable laboratory and data systems capable of early identification and management of infectious disease outbreaks. The project aligns with PEPFAR’s vision of transitioning to locally led, resilient public health systems. Technical assistance under this cooperative agreement will include mentoring, training, and the establishment of health security benchmarks demonstrating Eswatini’s readiness for independent response to health emergencies. The estimated total funding for the first fiscal year is approximately $5,000,000, subject to the availability of funds. The CDC expects to make up to two awards under this opportunity. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public, nonprofit, and for-profit entities such as governments at various levels, academic institutions, and tribal organizations, both federally recognized and non-federally recognized. This ensures broad eligibility and promotes collaborative partnerships across sectors. The forecasted opportunity anticipates publication on December 2, 2025, with an estimated application due date of February 17, 2026. Awards are expected to be made by September 30, 2026, with project start dates aligned accordingly. Interested applicants should prepare for electronic submission through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the due date. The designated program contact for this announcement is the DGHT NOFOs office at [email protected].

Applicants should align proposals with PEPFAR and CDC health security benchmarks, demonstrating capacity for laboratory management, quality assurance, and epidemiologic monitoring.