Enhancing sustainable health information and laboratory systems and networks for quality detection, management, and monitoring to end HIV and TB as public health threats in India

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, through its Global Health Center and Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, is offering a cooperative agreement opportunity titled “Enhancing sustainable health information and laboratory systems and networks for quality detection, management, and monitoring to end HIV and TB as public health threats in India.” This funding opportunity is designed to support global health priorities by strengthening public health systems and reducing the burden of infectious diseases, particularly HIV and tuberculosis, in India. The program aligns with broader U.S. global health strategies and emphasizes data-driven approaches, innovation, and sustainable system strengthening in partnership with the Government of India. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to enhance national laboratory networks, health information systems, and workforce capacity to improve early detection, treatment monitoring, and epidemic control. Activities focus on integrating laboratory and surveillance systems, strengthening biosafety and biosecurity practices, and expanding diagnostic and molecular testing capacity. The initiative supports India’s efforts to meet global HIV targets and improve outcomes for populations affected by HIV, TB, and related co-infections. It also aims to promote interoperability of health data systems and improve real-time decision-making for public health responses. Funding will support a wide range of allowable activities including laboratory infrastructure development, workforce training, data system integration, molecular epidemiology, and quality assurance systems. The program encourages innovative and cost-effective solutions and requires alignment with CDC priorities and U.S. government policies. Funding is structured as a cooperative agreement with component-based funding, allowing phased allocation based on performance milestones. Projects are expected to span five years, with annual continuation dependent on funding availability and satisfactory progress. No cost sharing or matching funds are required. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and unrestricted, allowing applications from a wide range of entities including government agencies, nonprofits, academic institutions, private sector organizations, and foreign entities. However, all applicants must conduct activities in India and comply with the Government of India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act if applicable. Applications must meet strict responsiveness criteria, including adherence to funding limits, page restrictions, and submission requirements. The application process requires registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov, submission of a full application package including narrative, budget, and supporting documents, and compliance with formatting and content guidelines. The project narrative must outline background, approach, outcomes, organizational capacity, coordination, evaluation plans, and data management strategies. Applications are evaluated based on approach, organizational capacity, and data monitoring and evaluation plans, with additional preference points for qualifying local organizations. The application deadline is July 24, 2026, with awards expected by September 30, 2026, and notification anticipated by the end of August 2026. The program includes detailed reporting, monitoring, and evaluation requirements, including allocation of funding toward evaluation activities. The opportunity is not recurring in a standard annual cycle and represents a strategic investment in strengthening India’s health systems to address HIV and TB as public health threats.

Align strongly with CDC priorities and demonstrate measurable outcomes; emphasize integrated lab and data systems; ensure compliance with formatting and funding limits; highlight experience in India and public health systems