Call for Proposals: Improving Access to Diagnostics Through the Adoption of Tools and Approaches That Drive Integration

Unitaid has issued a call for proposals aimed at enhancing access to diagnostics through the strategic integration of tools and service delivery approaches, particularly within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This funding initiative supports Unitaid’s broader mandate to improve health outcomes in vulnerable populations by introducing scalable, innovative health solutions. With an estimated total funding pool of approximately USD 25 million, the call emphasizes leveraging integrated diagnostics to bridge longstanding diagnostic gaps, streamline service delivery, and support national health priorities, including those related to tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and emerging health threats. The central objective is to support the introduction, placement, and implementation of integrated diagnostic tools and systems that enable multi-disease detection and better linkage to care. These tools range from already available platforms in centralized or decentralized settings to entirely new innovations requiring assistance for adoption. Integration refers not only to the technological convergence—such as multiplex tests and multi-modal platforms—but also to the unification of service delivery, health data management systems, and infrastructure. Applicants are encouraged to develop country-led strategies that align with existing diagnostic networks and policy environments, ensuring adaptability, sustainability, and broad applicability beyond the initial implementation context. Eligible proposals must target implementation in 4–5 countries and demonstrate a high level of engagement with local stakeholders, including national laboratory directorates, community health organizations, and relevant ministries. The application should reflect a deep understanding of each country’s diagnostic ecosystem, patient journey, and existing programs. A key expectation is that projects should propose interventions that are not only pilot initiatives but also structured for national-level scaling. Preference will be given to projects with meaningful engagement of civil society and regional or South-based lead implementers who have experience in delivering large, multi-country health access programs. The call places significant emphasis on using molecular diagnostics at or near the point of care, particularly tools with proven utility in TB but capable of expanding to other diseases. Integration models should reflect realistic pathways to policy change and national adoption, ensuring interoperability with national data systems, and maximizing the efficiency of health system resources. Importantly, proposals must consider health equity and climate impact, prioritizing approaches that serve populations at highest risk and demonstrating efforts to reduce environmental footprints. Proposals that aim to support early-stage technologies, focus on single-country implementation, or propose full-scale rollout without phased piloting are considered outside the scope. Instead, projects should aim to provide robust data and use-cases that support broader diagnostic system transformation. The intention is to catalyze long-term improvements through strategic, catalytic investments that demonstrate viability, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with Unitaid’s strategic priorities. Proposals must be submitted by 29 January 2026 at 12:00 CET. Submissions must be emailed and are considered received only upon confirmation of receipt from Unitaid. A proposal exceeding 8 MB in size must be sent in parts. The call further underscores the importance of involving communities at every stage of the project—from ideation to implementation and evaluation—as their inclusion is seen as essential to achieving lasting health impacts in LMICs.