BURMA: Resilient Tuberculosis Response in Myanmar (RTBR) Activity

The **Resilient Tuberculosis Response in Myanmar (RTBR) Activity** is a USAID-funded initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of non-National TB Program (NTP) providers—such as general practitioners (GPs), private hospitals and clinics, and NGO-managed clinics—to screen, test, treat tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), and to provide preventive therapy to close contacts of TB patients. The activity seeks to improve the knowledge and capacity of private healthcare providers to deliver TB-related services, increase access to TB diagnosis and treatment, and enhance the quality of care provided in Myanmar. Special emphasis will be placed on adopting internationally accepted testing and treatment protocols, introducing new diagnostic technologies, and improving monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure effective data recording, analysis, and reporting. The activity responds to the worsening TB situation in Myanmar, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the country’s ongoing political instability. TB remains one of Myanmar’s most pressing public health challenges, with a significant gap in case detection and treatment. Approximately 30% of TB cases are currently identified through non-NTP providers, but estimates suggest this figure could rise to 50-60% with better engagement of private providers. The RTBR activity will build on previous USAID efforts and align with the National Strategic Plan for TB (2021-2025) and the global End TB Strategy, with a focus on achieving the case notification and treatment targets set at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB. To achieve its objectives, the RTBR activity will expand private-sector engagement by including GPs, private hospitals, pharmacies, and NGO-managed facilities in TB care networks. USAID will support training initiatives, technical assistance, and capacity building for these providers to improve their ability to deliver quality TB services. This includes introducing novel diagnostic tools, enhancing electronic laboratory management systems, and ensuring adherence to international standards for TB testing and treatment. The activity will also promote active case finding, contact investigation, and the provision of TB preventive treatment, with tailored interventions to address specific needs, such as increasing male engagement in TB services. The RTBR activity is expected to operate across high-burden states and regions, including Yangon, Mandalay, Sagaing, Kachin, Shan, and Tanintharyi. USAID will focus on strengthening community-based TB services and bridging the gaps in care delivery caused by shortages in public health staffing and resources. The initiative will coordinate closely with other USAID-funded health programs, as well as key partners such as the WHO, Global Fund, and Access to Health Fund. Collaboration with local organizations like the Myanmar Medical Association and Myanmar Anti-Tuberculosis Association will ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to TB care. USAID intends to award one **Cooperative Agreement** for the RTBR activity, with an anticipated total funding of **$13,500,000** over a five-year period, subject to the availability of funds. The expected start date is in the third quarter of **FY 2025**. Eligibility is restricted to **local organizations**, defined as entities that are legally organized, principally operate in Myanmar, and are majority-owned and managed by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the country. While for-profit entities may participate, USAID policy prohibits profit under assistance awards. No cost-sharing is required for this activity. Applications must demonstrate organizational capacity, including experience in TB service delivery, technical skills, and operational and financial controls. New partners to USAID will undergo a pre-award responsibility determination to confirm their ability to manage project resources effectively. Coordination with other development partners and alignment with national TB priorities will be critical to the successful implementation of the activity. USAID encourages applications that outline sustainable approaches to expanding TB care delivery, improving data systems, and ensuring quality and accountability in TB prevention and treatment services.