Deadline: 10-May-2026
SAFEStart+, led by PATH with support from Unitaid, is offering grants of up to $10,000 for civil society organisations in Malawi. The call focuses on eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis through community engagement and data collection. Projects will run for up to four months in Blantyre and Mulanje districts.
Overview
This programme supports community-led efforts to eliminate vertical transmission of infectious diseases.
It aims to:
- Prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT)
- Strengthen integrated health services
- Improve community awareness and engagement
What is Triple Elimination?
Triple elimination refers to eliminating:
- HIV transmission from mother to child
- Hepatitis B transmission at birth
- Syphilis transmission during pregnancy
This approach improves maternal and child health outcomes and reduces preventable deaths.
Key Focus Areas
1. Elimination of Vertical Transmission (EVT)
- Prevent infections during pregnancy and childbirth
- Promote early testing and treatment
2. Community Engagement & Awareness
- Mobilise communities
- Reduce stigma and discrimination
- Increase service uptake
3. Integrated Health Services
4. Research & Data Collection
- Conduct surveys and focus group discussions
- Contribute to Values & Preferences (V&P) study
Programme Partners
The initiative is implemented by:
- PATH
- World Hepatitis Alliance
- International Community of Women Living with HIV Eastern Africa
Research support:
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Geographic Focus
Projects must operate in:
- Blantyre District
- Mulanje District
Applicants may choose one or both locations.
Funding Details
- Grant amount: Up to $10,000 per project
- Duration: Up to 4 months
- Funding supports community-based activities
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants:
- Registered NGOs
- Civil society organisations (CSOs)
Requirements:
- Based in or operating in Malawi
- Experience in community engagement
- Capacity to manage funds and deliver projects
Key Activities to be Funded
Selected organisations will:
- Conduct community sensitisation
- Mobilise participants
- Recruit survey respondents
- Facilitate focus group discussions
- Disseminate surveys
- Support qualitative research
- Ensure data quality
Targets:
- 100 survey participants
- 20 focus group participants
How the Program Works
- CSOs are selected
- Conduct outreach in communities
- Recruit participants for study
- Collect and validate data
- Collaborate with partners
- Submit reports and findings
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm eligibility
- Select district(s): Blantyre and/or Mulanje
- Develop proposal:
- Community engagement plan
- Recruitment strategy
- Data collection approach
- Demonstrate experience and community trust
- Submit application as per SAFEStart+ guidelines
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- Relevant experience
- Community trust and networks
- Feasibility of recruitment strategy
- Alignment with EVT objectives
- Organisational capacity
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak community engagement plan
- No clear recruitment strategy
- Lack of experience in health or research
- Unrealistic targets
- Poor understanding of triple elimination
Why This Funding Matters
This initiative addresses critical public health challenges.
It helps:
- Reduce child mortality
- Prevent lifelong infections
- Strengthen local health systems
- Empower communities
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Show strong community connections
- Focus on practical, achievable targets
- Demonstrate experience with health projects
- Include clear monitoring and reporting plans
- Align with triple elimination goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Registered NGOs and CSOs in Malawi.
2. What is the funding amount?
Up to $10,000 per project.
3. What is the project duration?
Up to 4 months.
4. Which locations are covered?
Blantyre and Mulanje districts.
5. What is triple elimination?
Eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis.
6. What activities are required?
Community mobilisation, data collection, and research support.
7. Is prior experience required?
Yes, especially in community engagement and research.
Conclusion
The SAFEStart+ Malawi grant provides a targeted opportunity for civil society organisations to contribute to eliminating mother-to-child transmission of major infectious diseases. By combining community engagement with research and data collection, the programme supports impactful, evidence-based interventions that improve maternal and child health outcomes.
For more information, visit World Hepatitis Alliance.
