Supporting sustainable HIV patient and program monitoring systems in Zambia under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced a forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled “Supporting sustainable HIV patient and program monitoring systems in Zambia under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)” with the opportunity number CDC-RFA-JG-26-0180. This cooperative agreement will be implemented through the Global Health Center (GHC) and aligns with PEPFAR’s long-term goal of supporting host countries in achieving self-reliance in managing and sustaining HIV programs. The program focuses on building and strengthening Zambia’s national systems for patient and program data monitoring to enhance accountability, health outcomes measurement, and effective program management. This funding opportunity aims to assist the Government of Zambia, particularly the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Smart Zambia Institute (SZI), in transforming their existing health information systems into efficient, resilient, and sustainable digital infrastructures. The CDC will partner with Zambian institutions to ensure all digital health information related to HIV and associated health conditions is available, accurate, and accessible at every administrative level—facility, district, provincial, and national. Through this collaboration, the program seeks to promote data-driven decision-making, improve monitoring and evaluation of HIV interventions, and strengthen overall public health information systems in support of PEPFAR’s broader objectives. The project’s focus includes digitization and integration of data systems, ensuring that the Zambian government has full ownership and oversight of health information resources. The intended outcomes are increased accountability for the use of public health resources, enhanced ability to monitor patient-level outcomes, and an improved capacity to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of HIV programs. Successful applicants will work closely with MOH and SZI to provide technical support, facilitate system upgrades, and coordinate implementation across relevant sectors. The anticipated total funding for the first year of the project is approximately $30,000,000, though final amounts will depend on the availability of funds. Applications for this opportunity are expected to open around December 2, 2025, with a submission deadline of February 17, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are projected to be announced on September 30, 2026, which also marks the anticipated project start date. The estimated number of awards is four, and the program is expected to begin implementation in the fiscal year 2026. The award ceiling and floor for Year 1 are indicated as zero, but CDC clarifies that an estimated total of $30 million is planned for Year 1, pending funding confirmation. Cost-sharing or matching is not required for this opportunity. Eligible applicants include a broad range of U.S. and non-U.S. entities such as state and local governments, county and township governments, tribal organizations and governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public housing authorities, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, public and private higher education institutions, and both small and large for-profit organizations. This inclusive eligibility framework underscores the CDC’s intent to attract a diverse range of organizations with experience in global health systems and HIV program implementation. The opportunity is currently in a forecasted stage and is not yet accepting applications. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov for the official release and to prepare by ensuring all required registrations (e.g., SAM.gov, Grants.gov) are active. All applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by the listed deadline. The NOFO contact for this opportunity is DGHT NOFOs at pepfarfoas@cdc.gov, which applicants may use for inquiries regarding eligibility, program scope, or submission requirements. Once released, detailed guidance on evaluation criteria and submission documentation will be provided within the official NOFO.

Monitor Grants.gov for updates and ensure all registrations are current before December 2025