Supporting sustainable health systems and laboratory services in Cote d'Ivoire under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has issued a forecasted funding opportunity titled Supporting sustainable health systems and laboratory services in Côte d'Ivoire under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This notice of funding opportunity reflects CDC’s continuing commitment to strengthening international public health programs and systems, with a focus on laboratory capacity and health management systems to support HIV/AIDS epidemic control in Côte d'Ivoire. The grant will be implemented as a cooperative agreement, emphasizing collaboration between CDC, local government institutions, and implementing partners. The purpose of the grant is to expand and sustain access to quality laboratory services for people living with HIV and those on antiretroviral therapy. This initiative directly supports PEPFAR’s global objectives of reducing new HIV infections, decreasing HIV-related morbidity and mortality, and ensuring effective epidemic control. By targeting Côte d'Ivoire, a country with ongoing HIV/AIDS challenges, the CDC seeks to build stronger laboratory systems, improve specimen transport networks, strengthen workforce capacity, and establish sustainable health management information systems. The scope of the funding opportunity includes a comprehensive package of technical assistance and direct site support. The awardee will be responsible for improving the national specimen transportation system, enhancing laboratory workforce development, upgrading the laboratory management information system, improving laboratory policies and quality assurance frameworks, and strengthening the national Health Management Information System (HMIS). The intended recipients of support include the National Public Health Laboratory, national HIV/AIDS programs, the HMIS directorate, district health teams, and PEPFAR-implementing partners in Côte d'Ivoire. The funding is projected to be approximately $3,000,000 in the first year, contingent upon the availability of funds. Although the opportunity is listed with a placeholder award ceiling of zero, CDC has explicitly noted this forecasted Year 1 allocation. The cooperative agreement is expected to result in one award, with the awardee managing resources to ensure both technical assistance and on-the-ground operational support. Matching funds are not required for this program, removing cost-sharing obligations for applicants. Eligibility is broad and inclusive. Applications may be submitted by state and local governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Native American tribal governments (both federally recognized and other tribal organizations), independent school districts, public housing authorities, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without IRS 501(c)(3) status, and both small and large for-profit organizations. The program is also open to international and domestic entities, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with Ivorian institutions. The application process will open on December 2, 2025, with final applications due by February 17, 2026. Submissions must be completed electronically by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the due date. The award date is anticipated for September 30, 2026, with the project start date aligned on the same day. This timeline underscores CDC’s planning horizon, allowing several months for review, selection, and award processing following submission. Since this is a forecasted opportunity, the details remain subject to final publication. For additional information, inquiries should be directed to DGHT NOFOs via the provided contact email pepfarfoas@cdc.gov. No telephone contact was included in the announcement. This funding opportunity represents a key investment in health system sustainability in Côte d'Ivoire, leveraging U.S. government resources under PEPFAR to strengthen international health infrastructure and laboratory services.