Call for Proposals to Accelerate Cervical Cancer Elimination

Deadline: 09-Apr-2026

Unitaid has launched a Call for Proposals to accelerate cervical cancer elimination in low- and middle-income countries. The program funds innovative tools, digital health solutions, and integrated delivery models to strengthen secondary prevention, improve equity, and build sustainable health systems. Total funding of approximately US$30 million supports national and subnational programs aligned with global cervical cancer elimination strategies.

Overview of the Call for Proposals

The Unitaid Cervical Cancer Elimination initiative aims to scale innovative approaches to secondary prevention of cervical cancer. The program emphasizes:

• Integration with primary health care systems and broader women’s health platforms

• Use of next-generation HPV diagnostics, AI-assisted screening, and digital health tools

• Cost-optimized service delivery models

• Strengthening supply chains for cervical cancer commodities

• Promoting equity, community engagement, and lived experience leadership

Proposals should align with global cervical cancer elimination strategies and aim to accelerate adoption of screening and treatment services while ensuring long-term sustainability.

Who is Eligible?

• National and large subnational health programs in low- and middle-income countries

• Programs ready to integrate cervical cancer services within existing primary healthcare systems

• Organizations capable of implementing routine services linked to immunization, HIV, TB, noncommunicable disease, and maternal health platforms

• Applicants should demonstrate the ability to adopt innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable approaches

Funding Details

• Total Funding Available: Approximately US$30 million

• Allocation: Dependent on the scope and quality of proposals received

• Supported Activities:

  • AI-assisted screening and point-of-care diagnostics

  • Pooled laboratory services

  • Digital referral and follow-up systems

  • Supply chain strengthening for cervical cancer commodities

  • Sustainable financing pathways for long-term country ownership

Why It Matters

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of preventable mortality among women in low- and middle-income countries. This program supports initiatives that:

• Expand access to screening and treatment services

• Promote equitable health outcomes through community engagement and lived experience leadership

• Strengthen national supply chains and delivery systems for sustainability

• Integrate cervical cancer prevention with broader women’s health services to maximize efficiency and impact

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Proposal Preparation – Develop a program plan integrating cervical cancer services with primary healthcare and relevant platforms.

2. Innovation and Cost-Effectiveness – Demonstrate use of AI, digital health tools, point-of-care diagnostics, and optimized delivery models.

3. Submit Proposal – Include technical feasibility, sustainability plan, and alignment with national health priorities.

4. Evaluation – Proposals reviewed for impact potential, innovation, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and equity focus.

5. Award Notification – Successful applicants receive funding to implement and scale integrated cervical cancer prevention programs.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Avoid submitting proposals that do not integrate services with existing primary healthcare platforms

• Clearly demonstrate how the program addresses equity and community engagement

• Ensure proposals include a sustainability and supply chain strengthening plan

• Highlight innovative approaches such as AI-assisted screening, pooled labs, and digital tools

• Focus on scalable and cost-effective solutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? National and large subnational programs in low- and middle-income countries integrating cervical cancer services into primary care.
2. How much funding is available? Approximately US$30 million, depending on proposal scope and quality.
3. What innovations are encouraged? AI-assisted screening, point-of-care diagnostics, pooled laboratories, and digital health tools for referral and follow-up.
4. Can proposals focus only on cervical cancer? Programs must integrate services within broader primary healthcare platforms for sustainability.
5. Are supply chain improvements supported? Yes, strengthening procurement and distribution of cervical cancer commodities is a key focus.
6. Is community engagement required? Yes, promoting equity and involving lived experience leadership is strongly encouraged.
7. What is the expected impact? Expansion of screening and treatment, improved continuity of care, sustainable financing, and alignment with global elimination targets.

Conclusion

Unitaid’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Call for Proposals provides critical funding to scale innovative and integrated health programs in low- and middle-income countries. By combining AI, digital health solutions, cost-effective delivery models, and strengthened supply chains, the initiative accelerates progress toward sustainable cervical cancer prevention, equitable access to care, and long-term national ownership.

For more information, visit UNITAID.