Deadline: 10-Aug-2025
The SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Center is calling on research institutions to submit brief Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for projects focused on tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. These grants target areas such as screening and diagnosis, prevention strategies, social and structural determinants, case finding and treatment access, program evaluation, policy gaps, special populations, emerging issues, and the impact of COVID-19 on TB and HIV programs.
The Center aims to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals by supporting national TB and HIV/AIDS programs with evidence-based policy guidance, coordination, and technical assistance. Projects should improve early and accurate diagnosis of TB, including latent and drug-resistant forms, and integrate HIV testing, particularly for high-risk groups.
Prevention efforts should focus on reducing TB incidence among people living with HIV, including use of preventive therapies and infection control in healthcare and communities. Research is encouraged on the social factors influencing TB and HIV vulnerability, such as gender, socioeconomic status, migration, stigma, and discrimination.
Projects should also explore strategies for better case finding and overcoming barriers to treatment, emphasizing adherence and patient support for vulnerable populations. Program evaluation and policy analysis are important to identify gaps and optimize service delivery and integration.
Special attention is given to populations such as people who inject drugs, children, adolescents, and others facing unique challenges in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB and HIV detection and treatment outcomes is also a key focus.
Each grant will provide up to US$10,000, with projects running for a maximum of four months between September 1 and November 30, 2025. Applicants may submit up to two EOIs, supported by a letter from their country’s National Tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS Control Program.
Eligible applicants include public research institutions, government bodies, universities, and national TB and HIV programs from SAARC member states. Projects must involve an in-country subject matter expert from the relevant national program to oversee the work.
Applications require a cover letter addressed to the Director of the SAARC TB and HIV Center, a detailed project proposal with investigator information, a concept note with budget and timeline, CVs of principal investigators, organizational profiles (if applicable), a support letter from national programs, and contact details of the focal person for the study.
For more information, visit STAC.
