Apply Now: Youth HIV and Sexual Health Programme (Congo)

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is inviting applications to implement a project that strengthens HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and health awareness among adolescents and young people in the Republic of the Congo. The initiative targets young people aged 12–35 years across six priority departments through two implementation lots, with a strong emphasis on girls, voluntary HIV testing, and resilience to Ebola-related health risks.

The project aims to improve knowledge, build protective life skills, increase access to voluntary HIV testing, and promote healthier behaviors among thousands of adolescents and young people in priority communities.

UNICEF HIV Prevention and Sexual & Reproductive Health Project

UNICEF is seeking qualified organizations to implement a public health project focused on improving the health and well-being of adolescents and young people in the Republic of the Congo.

The programme supports interventions that strengthen HIV prevention, promote sexual and reproductive health, encourage voluntary HIV testing, and improve young people’s resilience to health emergencies, including Ebola-related risks.

Implementation will take place through two geographic lots, covering six priority departments.

Programme Objectives

The project aims to:

• Improve HIV prevention among adolescents and young people.
• Strengthen sexual and reproductive health knowledge.
• Build protective life skills.
• Increase voluntary HIV testing.
• Promote healthy behaviors.
• Improve resilience to Ebola-related health risks.
• Reach vulnerable adolescents, particularly girls.
• Support community-based health awareness activities.

Why This Programme Matters

Adolescents and young people remain among the populations most vulnerable to HIV infection and reproductive health challenges.

Limited access to health information, testing services, and protective skills increases health risks, especially for girls and young women.

This UNICEF initiative seeks to close these gaps by improving knowledge, expanding access to HIV prevention services, encouraging voluntary testing, and promoting informed health decisions that contribute to healthier communities.

Priority Focus Areas

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following areas:

• HIV prevention.
• HIV/AIDS awareness.
• Sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
• Adolescent health.
• Youth health education.
• Life skills development.
• Voluntary HIV counseling and testing.
• Community health promotion.
• Ebola risk awareness and resilience.
• Health education for young people.

Target Beneficiaries

The programme targets:

• Adolescents and young people aged 12–35 years.
• Girls and young women.
• Young people living in priority departments of the Republic of the Congo.

Approximately 75% of beneficiaries under both implementation lots are expected to be girls.

Implementation Lots

Lot 1

Implementation will take place in:

• Brazzaville
• Pointe Noire
• Pool

Expected Reach

• Brazzaville: At least 15,000 beneficiaries.
• Pointe Noire: At least 10,000 beneficiaries.
• Pool: At least 2,000 beneficiaries.

Expected Outcomes

Projects should ensure:

• Improved knowledge of HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health.
• Stronger protective skills among adolescents and young people.
• At least 20% of beneficiaries voluntarily undergo HIV testing in each department.
• Approximately 75% of participants are girls.

Lot 2

Implementation will take place in:

• Likouala
• Cuvette
• Sangha

Expected Reach

• Likouala: 5,000 beneficiaries.
• Cuvette: 1,500 beneficiaries.
• Sangha: 1,500 beneficiaries.

Expected Outcomes

Projects should contribute to:

• Improved health awareness.
• Increased protective knowledge.
• Better sexual and reproductive health understanding.
• Improved resilience to Ebola-related risks.
• Approximately 75% female participation.

Expected Results

Successful projects are expected to:

• Strengthen HIV prevention knowledge.
• Improve sexual and reproductive health awareness.
• Build life skills for self-protection.
• Increase voluntary HIV testing.
• Improve community awareness.
• Strengthen resilience during public health emergencies.
• Promote healthier behaviors among adolescents and young people.

Who Is Eligible?

The funding announcement states that UNICEF is seeking applications from eligible organizations capable of implementing activities under the project.

Applicants should carefully review the official call for detailed organizational eligibility requirements and submission conditions.

How the Programme Works

The implementation process generally includes:

1. Submission of applications.
2. Selection of implementing partner(s).
3. Project implementation within the assigned implementation lot.
4. Community outreach and awareness activities.
5. Delivery of health education sessions.
6. Promotion of voluntary HIV testing.
7. Monitoring beneficiary participation and outcomes.
8. Reporting on project achievements.

How to Apply

Interested organizations should:

1. Review the complete UNICEF call for applications.
2. Determine the implementation lot they intend to apply for.
3. Design activities aligned with the project’s objectives.
4. Develop an implementation plan with measurable targets.
5. Prepare the required application documents.
6. Submit the proposal before the application deadline.
7. Respond to any requests for clarification during the evaluation process.

Tips for a Strong Application

Organizations should:

• Demonstrate experience in adolescent health programming.
• Show expertise in HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health.
• Include gender-responsive approaches.
• Present realistic beneficiary targets.
• Explain strategies for encouraging voluntary HIV testing.
• Include community engagement and awareness activities.
• Develop a clear monitoring and evaluation framework.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Proposing activities unrelated to HIV prevention or adolescent health.
• Ignoring gender targets.
• Providing unrealistic implementation plans.
• Failing to include measurable outcomes.
• Overlooking community participation strategies.
• Submitting incomplete application documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the programme designed for?

The project targets adolescents and young people aged 12–35 years living in priority departments of the Republic of the Congo.

Which health areas are supported?

The programme focuses on HIV prevention, HIV/AIDS awareness, sexual and reproductive health, voluntary HIV testing, life skills, and resilience to Ebola-related risks.

How many implementation lots are available?

The project is divided into two implementation lots covering six priority departments.

What percentage of beneficiaries should be girls?

Approximately 75% of beneficiaries are expected to be girls under both implementation lots.

Is HIV testing included in the project?

Yes. Under Lot 1, at least 20% of beneficiaries in each department are expected to voluntarily undergo HIV testing.

Which departments are covered?

The programme covers:

• Brazzaville
• Pointe Noire
• Pool
• Likouala
• Cuvette
• Sangha

Who can apply?

UNICEF is inviting applications from eligible organizations capable of implementing the project. Applicants should consult the official call for detailed eligibility requirements.

Conclusion

The UNICEF HIV Prevention and Sexual & Reproductive Health Project offers an important opportunity for organizations to improve the health and well-being of adolescents and young people across the Republic of the Congo. By promoting HIV prevention, expanding sexual and reproductive health education, encouraging voluntary HIV testing, and strengthening resilience to public health risks, the programme supports healthier, safer, and more informed communities while placing a strong emphasis on empowering girls and young women.