Deadline: 06-May-2026
The SAFEStart+ Community Request for Proposals provides funding to civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria to support community-driven efforts toward eliminating HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. With up to $15,000 per state for a 4-month project, the initiative focuses on community engagement, data collection, and research to prevent mother-to-child transmission. The programme is implemented by PATH with global partners and targets organisations in Lagos and Plateau States.
This funding opportunity strengthens community-based public health interventions and supports research to improve integrated disease elimination strategies.
Overview
SAFEStart+ is a global health initiative focused on the triple elimination of:
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Syphilis
The programme emphasizes eliminating vertical transmission (mother-to-child transmission) through integrated healthcare approaches, community engagement, and research-based interventions.
It combines:
- Community mobilisation
- Health systems strengthening
- Data-driven research
- Integrated service delivery models
Implementing Organisations and Partners
SAFEStart+ is:
- Supported by: Unitaid
- Led by: PATH
- Partners include:
- World Hepatitis Alliance
- International Community of Women Living with HIV – Eastern Africa
The research component is led by Solina.
Funding Details
- Grant amount: Up to $15,000 per state
- Project duration: Up to 4 months
- Location: Nigeria (Lagos and Plateau States)
The funding supports short-term, high-impact community and research activities.
Geographic Focus Areas
Eligible activities must take place in:
Lagos State (selected LGAs):
- Alimosho
- Amuwo Odofin
- Apapa
- Eti-Osa
- Ikeja
- Ikorodu
- Kosofe
- Shomolu
Plateau State:
- Selected communities within the state
Programme Objectives (Why It Matters)
The SAFEStart+ RFP aims to:
- Eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis
- Strengthen community-based public health responses
- Generate evidence through Values and Preferences studies
- Improve uptake of integrated health services
- Enhance community awareness and participation
- Support data-driven health policy and programme design
This initiative is critical for improving maternal and child health outcomes and advancing disease elimination goals.
What Selected Organisations Will Do
Funded CSOs will:
- Conduct community sensitisation and mobilisation activities
- Recruit participants for surveys and focus group discussions
- Disseminate surveys among target populations
- Support Values and Preferences data collection
- Identify and engage relevant community participants
- Assist with data validation and quality checks
- Collaborate with research teams during implementation
These activities directly contribute to improving programme design and delivery.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be registered civil society organisations (CSOs) or NGOs
- Operate in Lagos or Plateau State, Nigeria
- Demonstrate experience in:
- Community engagement
- Public health or research-related activities
- Have the capacity to:
- Manage grant funds effectively
- Deliver short-term research and outreach activities
- Possess basic financial and organisational systems
Strong applicants typically show:
- Deep community connections
- Experience working with target populations
- Proven ability in participant recruitment and engagement
How to Apply / How It Works
- Review eligibility and confirm operational presence in target states
- Develop a proposal aligned with SAFEStart+ objectives
- Outline community engagement and data collection strategy
- Demonstrate organisational capacity and relevant experience
- Submit the proposal under SAFEStart+ RFP guidelines
- If selected, implement activities within the 4-month timeframe
- Collaborate with Solina and partners on research execution
Key Concepts Explained
Triple Elimination
A public health strategy to eliminate HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis simultaneously, especially focusing on preventing transmission from mother to child.
Vertical Transmission
The transmission of infections from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Values and Preferences Study
Research that gathers community perspectives to improve healthcare service design and delivery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting proposals without clear community engagement strategies
- Weak participant recruitment plans
- Lack of experience in health or research-related work
- Poor understanding of triple elimination goals
- Inadequate financial or organisational systems
- Unrealistic timelines within the 4-month project period
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for SAFEStart+ funding?
Registered CSOs and NGOs operating in Lagos or Plateau State with relevant experience.
2. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to $15,000 per state.
3. What is the project duration?
Maximum of 4 months.
4. What activities are funded?
Community mobilisation, participant recruitment, surveys, focus groups, and data collection.
5. What is the main goal of the programme?
To eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis.
6. Is prior research experience required?
Yes, organisations should demonstrate experience in community engagement and research activities.
7. Who manages the research component?
The study is led by Solina in collaboration with SAFEStart+ partners.
Conclusion
The SAFEStart+ Community RFP is a targeted funding opportunity to strengthen community-led health interventions in Nigeria. By supporting CSOs with funding and research collaboration, the programme advances the elimination of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis while improving maternal and child health outcomes. It represents a critical step toward integrated, data-driven, and community-focused public health solutions.
For more information, visit World Hepatitis Alliance.