Sustaining HIV services for key and priority populations through enhanced differentiated testing, innovative treatment and prevention approaches, and continuous support to Ukraine Ministry of Health, Public Health Center, and communities under PEPFAR

The CDC's Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), titled "Sustaining HIV Services for Key and Priority Populations through Enhanced Differentiated Testing, Innovative Treatment, and Prevention Approaches, and Continuous Support to Ukraine Ministry of Health, Public Health Center, and Communities under PEPFAR," focuses on improving HIV services in Ukraine amid the challenges posed by the ongoing war. It aims to enhance access to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment for key and priority populations, including people who inject drugs, individuals in prisons, men who have sex with men, sex workers, and displaced persons. Applications are due by February 21, 2025, with projects expected to start on September 30, 2025. The total funding for the first year is anticipated to be $8 million, with one or two cooperative agreements expected to be awarded. The project spans a five-year performance period and focuses on increasing access to comprehensive HIV services, implementing differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, expanding medication-assisted therapy (MAT) programs, and aligning national policies with international standards. Core strategies include innovative case-finding and testing modalities, community engagement, and data-driven approaches to improve service quality and reach underrepresented groups. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, tribal entities, and foreign organizations. The project must be conducted in Ukraine, and applicants are required to demonstrate experience in implementing HIV and MAT programs, managing public health projects, and collaborating with government and community stakeholders. Applications must include detailed narratives, work plans, budget justifications, organizational capacity statements, and supporting documentation such as resumes, organizational charts, and letters of commitment. Applications will be evaluated on the proposed approach (30 points), organizational capacity (45 points), and data monitoring and evaluation plans (25 points). The PEPFAR local partner funding preference awards an additional 30 points to eligible local partners meeting specific criteria. Key evaluation criteria include innovative and sustainable strategies, effective monitoring and data management, and demonstrated organizational infrastructure to execute the program successfully. Post-award requirements include regular performance reporting, evaluation plans, and data management to align with PEPFAR and CDC standards. Awardees must collaborate with the Ministry of Health and Public Health Center of Ukraine to achieve program goals. CDC will provide technical oversight and support to ensure project alignment with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, emphasizing viral load suppression and sustainable health outcomes. This NOFO represents a vital effort to address the challenges of sustaining HIV services during a crisis and to support innovative approaches that improve public health infrastructure and reduce HIV incidence. Applicants are encouraged to register in SAM.gov and Grants.gov early and to carefully follow submission requirements to ensure eligibility. For further details, questions can be directed to the provided CDC contact information.