USAID-Zimbabwe: Preventing HIV for Sustained Epidemic Control Program

Deadline: 22-Mar-23

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications from qualified entities to implement the Preventing HIV for Sustained Epidemic Control (Prevent) program.

Objectives, intermediate results and illustrative activities

Now that Zimbabwe is reaching epidemic control, the national response must begin to transition to a new way of doing business. This includes shifting from an emergency response to one that integrates HIV as a chronic health priority. HIV prevention18F 19 must be prioritized and equity gaps need to be closed. It also means evolving the way programs are designed and services are delivered: adapting approaches to realize efficiencies, identifying more cost effective and sustainable models, while maintaining a focus on equity and inclusion, as well as quality of care.

This Activity will contribute to the overall goal of Sustained HIV epidemic control. It has two objectives:

Objective 1: Increased uptake of person-centered HIV services, with focus on biomedical prevention.
- The Activity will target specific priority populations that have disproportionately high incidence rates and/or continue to experience challenges in equitable access to care. It is paramount that population and subpopulation specific approaches are applied, using HCD and other co-creation techniques, and building on the immense knowledge base and lessons learned from the Zimbabwean experience. This includes dedicated, evidence-based tailored services for KP groups (and sub-groups), delivered through KP-led and KP-competent local organizations; gender-sensitive, evidence-informed, youth-led HIV prevention services for AGYW; and interventions that respond to the persistent gaps in services for men to improve their engagement across the HIV continuum.
Objective 2: Improved sustainability of the HIV response.
- Sustainability of the HIV program will require decades of effort and an all hands on deck approach. It is critical that Zimbabwe actively plans now to ensure the many gains in the HIV program are not at risk of reversal. Sustainability in the context of the HIV epidemic control is a multifaceted concept that includes mobilizing greater public and private investment; improving budget allocation for programs and services; strategies for protecting vulnerable populations from high out-of-pocket costs; ensuring core institutional and functional capacities in the health system; and accountability for both public financial management and quality service delivery; among other themes. Sustained control of the HIV epidemic will require commitment and investment by the Government of Zimbabwe and strategic and well-coordinated efforts of development partners.

Funding Information

Estimated Total Program Funding: $88,000,000

Award Ceiling: $88,000,000

Award Floor: $17,000,000

Target Populations

The primary target populations for this Activity are key populations including SWs in their diversity and their sexual partners, MSM, TG individuals, people who use/inject drugs (PWUID), AGYW, and at-risk young men.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for this NOFO is restricted to local Zimbabwean organizations. Therefore, applications should be from qualified local, Zimbabwean entities, such as private, nonprofit organizations (or for-profit companies willing to forego profits), including private voluntary organizations, universities, research organizations, professional associations, and relevant special interest associations.
In accordance with ADS 303.6 USAID defines a “local entity” as an individual, a corporation, a nonprofit organization, or another body of persons that:
- Is legally organized under the laws of; and
- Has as its principal place of business or operations in; and
- Is
  - Majority owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of; and
  - Managed by a governing body the majority of who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the country receiving assistance.
For purposes of this definition, ‘majority owned’ and ‘managed by’ include, without limitation, beneficiary interests and the power, either directly or indirectly, whether exercised or exercisable, to control the election, appointment, or tenure of the organization’s managers or a majority of the organization’s governing body by any means.
The eligibility requirements apply to only the principal applicant. The Recipient must be a responsible entity. The AO may determine a pre-award survey is required to conduct an examination that will determine whether the prospective recipient has the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills or ability to obtain them in order to achieve the objectives of the program and comply with the terms and conditions of the award.
Applicants are reminded that US Executive Orders and US law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. This provision must be included in all sub-awards issued under this Cooperative Agreement.
USAID welcomes applications from organizations that have not previously received financial assistance from USAID.
Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for federal financial assistance on the same basis as any other organization and are subject to the protections and requirements of Federal law.