Strengthening the Government of Namibias health information systems (HIS) to improve public health programs under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

The Strengthening the Government of Namibia’s Health Information Systems to Improve Public Health Programs under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief notice of funding opportunity, issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, supports the development and integration of Namibia’s health information systems to improve patient care and program management for HIV, tuberculosis, and related health threats. The program aims to enhance data-driven decision-making, strengthen surveillance capabilities, and transition the management of health information systems to the Ministry of Health and Social Services to ensure sustainability. This funding opportunity builds on Namibia’s progress toward achieving HIV epidemic control and focuses on creating robust, interoperable systems for tracking, analyzing, and responding to health data needs. The total anticipated funding for year one is up to 5,000,000 dollars, with a five-year performance period. CDC expects to issue one to three awards. Funding for years two through five will depend on annual appropriations, program priorities, and satisfactory progress. Eligible applicants include local and international organizations, non-profits, for-profits, academic institutions, and tribal organizations, among others. Projects must be implemented in Namibia. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, but local partners that meet PEPFAR’s local partner definition will receive a 15-point funding preference during the merit review process. The notice outlines five key strategies that applicants must address. First, they must support the Ministry of Health and Social Services in developing, implementing, and maintaining health information systems and technological solutions to improve patient management and program outcomes. Second, applicants are tasked with refining Namibia’s eHealth strategies, governance, and policies to ensure data integration and interoperability across systems. Third, the program focuses on strengthening the health informatics capacity of ministry professionals and local partners. Fourth, applicants must enhance the use of data for decision-making at all levels of the health system, enabling data-driven strategies for improved care and resource allocation. Lastly, the program supports designing and implementing surveys and surveillance systems to monitor the HIV and tuberculosis epidemics and address emerging public health threats. Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal that includes a project narrative limited to 20 pages, a detailed budget justification, a work plan, and required attachments such as an experience statement, resumes for key personnel, and an organizational chart. The evaluation process will assess the applicant’s proposed approach, organizational capacity, and data monitoring and evaluation plans. The review will consider the ability to integrate health information systems, build local capacity, and ensure sustainability. Proposals must include measurable outcomes such as increased use of national unique health identifiers, improved data exchange between systems, and enhanced surveillance capabilities. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by February 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. CDC anticipates notifying successful applicants by the end of August 2025, with project start dates expected around September 30, 2025. Award recipients will be required to submit regular performance and financial reports, including annual progress updates, evaluation results, and expenditure reports. CDC will provide ongoing technical assistance and oversight to ensure that health information systems are effectively implemented and transitioned to ministry ownership. This funding opportunity seeks to strengthen Namibia’s health information systems infrastructure to achieve sustainable, government-led epidemic control and improve the country’s capacity to address current and emerging public health challenges. By integrating data systems and improving surveillance, the program will contribute to better health outcomes and more effective public health management.