Advancing country-led sustainable digital health transformation across PEPFAR-supported countries through informatics workforce capacity development to end HIV/AIDS and TB as a public health threat by 2030 under PEPFAR

The CDC’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled “Advancing Country-Led Sustainable Digital Health Transformation across PEPFAR-Supported Countries through Informatics Workforce Capacity Development” aims to strengthen the health informatics workforce and systems in countries supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The program focuses on leveraging digital health technologies to enhance HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) epidemic control, improve data use for decision-making, and achieve health system resilience. Applications are due by February 21, 2025, and projects are expected to begin on September 30, 2025. This program will provide up to $25 million in Year 1 funding, with an anticipated 1–4 cooperative agreements over a five-year period. Recipients are expected to develop secure, standards-based, and interoperable health information systems (HIS), build workforce capacity, and enhance governance frameworks for data and health informatics. Activities will follow the CDC’s TripleIG framework, focusing on leadership training, system assessments, and workforce development programs to promote sustainable digital health initiatives. This initiative aligns with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and PEPFAR’s Five-Year Strategy to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign organizations, nonprofits, government entities, academic institutions, for-profits, and tribal organizations. Projects must take place in PEPFAR-supported countries, and applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, experience with health informatics, and the ability to collaborate with local health authorities. Applications require a detailed narrative, budget justification, resumes for key personnel, and other documentation. Proposals will be evaluated on approach, organizational capacity, and monitoring and evaluation plans, with additional emphasis on cost-effectiveness and program sustainability. The program logic model outlines four primary strategies: integrating secure HIS systems, assessing digital health maturity, executing workforce development plans, and formulating governance policies. Applicants must detail how their proposed activities align with these strategies and achieve measurable outcomes, such as increased data integration, improved workforce skills, and enhanced governance mechanisms. Evaluations will measure progress toward outcomes, including reductions in HIV and TB morbidity and mortality, improved HIS integration, and workforce competency. Awardees are required to adhere to CDC reporting and performance standards, including submitting annual reports, expenditure statements, and evaluations. CDC will provide technical assistance, oversight, and guidance to ensure projects align with national health strategies and PEPFAR goals. The program includes provisions for data sharing, system sustainability, and the inclusion of diverse populations to address health disparities. This NOFO offers an opportunity to strengthen health systems and achieve significant public health impacts in low- and middle-income countries through sustainable digital health solutions. Interested applicants should secure their registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov promptly and prepare detailed proposals addressing the program’s objectives and evaluation criteria. For further assistance, applicants can contact the CDC or review the NOFO documentation on Grants.gov.