Improving quality of care and health outcomes through innovative systems and technologies in Malawi under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has forecasted a cooperative agreement opportunity titled “Improving Quality of Care and Health Outcomes through Innovative Systems and Technologies in Malawi under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).” This initiative continues the CDC’s long-standing commitment to global HIV/AIDS response and builds on previous investments in Malawi’s national health information systems. It aims to strengthen the foundation of HIV program data management and improve patient outcomes by expanding and modernizing data infrastructure within Malawi’s health system. The program is focused on enhancing the Malawi Health Information System (MaHIS) by strengthening existing data systems, improving interoperability and security through international ISO standards, and ensuring data collected at facility, district, and national levels is accurate, timely, and usable. The initiative supports the Ministry of Health (MOH) in maintaining HIS infrastructure, increasing data exchange and governance, and improving the reliability and use of health data for decision-making. Efforts include integrating technologies for patient records management and supporting surveillance and reporting functions essential to PEPFAR’s global objectives. CDC anticipates approximately $9,000,000 in total program funding for Year 1, with up to two awards expected, though no specific award floor or ceiling has been provided in the forecast notice. Funding will be issued through cooperative agreements, emphasizing strong collaboration between CDC and the award recipients. Eligible activities will likely include hardware and software development, training, capacity building, and the implementation of data security and interoperability measures. These activities are intended to build a sustainable, government-owned digital health ecosystem capable of supporting comprehensive HIV data collection and reporting. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes a range of public, private, and nonprofit entities such as state, county, city, and tribal governments; public housing authorities; independent school districts; public and private higher education institutions; and both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Small businesses and tribal organizations are also eligible. No cost sharing or matching funds are required. Applicants must ensure compliance with CDC’s cooperative agreement guidelines and demonstrate capacity for technical system implementation and data governance. Applications are expected to open by December 2, 2025, with a projected submission deadline of February 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are anticipated by September 30, 2026, with projects commencing on the same date. As a forecasted opportunity, final details may change upon publication of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov for updates and prepare their technical and administrative registration requirements. For questions or clarifications, applicants can contact the program team at pepfarfoas@cdc.gov. This program aligns with PEPFAR’s mission to achieve epidemic control by strengthening partner countries’ capacity to collect, analyze, and act upon high-quality health data. Through improved data systems and governance, the CDC seeks to enable the Government of Malawi to deliver more effective HIV services, enhance accountability, and promote sustainable health system ownership.