Advancing Prevention and Treatment of Bacterial STIs in HIV-affected Adolescent and Maternal Populations

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has released a forecast for a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Advancing Prevention and Treatment of Bacterial STIs in HIV-affected Adolescent and Maternal Populations" (FOR-HD-25-024). This grant aligns with NICHD’s mission to support research that improves child health and development. The funding opportunity seeks to advance scientific knowledge and public health strategies in addressing bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) specifically among adolescents and maternal populations impacted by HIV. The primary goal of this opportunity is to support research—including clinical trials—that focuses on diagnostic tools, novel microbicidal agents, and the implementation of evidence-based prevention and treatment practices. Priority research areas include improving diagnostic modalities and their deployment in clinical settings, assessing the safety and efficacy of emerging microbicidal interventions, and conducting implementation science studies to promote effective STI prevention and treatment strategies within the targeted populations. This effort is underpinned by legal authorities such as the Public Health Service Act and the Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act. This opportunity is forecasted to open on October 20, 2025, with applications due by January 7, 2026. Award notifications are anticipated by July 1, 2026, which is also the estimated project start date. A total of approximately $2,000,000 in funding is expected to be made available, with three awards projected. While no specific award ceiling or floor has been disclosed, the grant will be issued as a standard federal grant. Matching funds are not required. The grant is available nationwide to a wide range of eligible applicants. These include state and local governments, public and private institutions of higher education, small and other for-profit businesses, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, public housing authorities, and both federally and non-federally recognized Native American tribal organizations. Independent school districts and tribal governments are also eligible. No specific geographic limitations are mentioned, indicating the opportunity is available to applicants across all U.S. states. All applications will be evaluated based on scientific merit and alignment with NICHD’s research priorities. While the notice does not provide specifics regarding evaluation metrics or application components, it is expected that successful proposals will demonstrate robust research design and clear pathways for implementation or clinical application. Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare comprehensive and evidence-based proposals reflecting the aims of the funding notice. For further information, interested parties should contact Franklin W. Yates, MD, at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Dr. Yates can be reached by phone at 301-827-5536 or via email at franklin.yates@nih.gov.