DR Congo: USAID Combating HIV/AIDS through Local Partnership Activity (CHALPA)-Lualaba
About
The United States Agency for International Development in Democratic Republic of Congo (USAID/DRC) is seeking applications for a Fixed Amount Award (FAA) Cooperative Agreement from qualified entities to implement the USAID Combating HIV/AIDS through Local Partnership Activity (CHALPA) Activity in Lualaba.
These activities will work with the Government of the DRC (GDRC) and other USAID implementing partners to deliver high quality, accessible HIV/AIDS related services in selected provinces towards achieving HIV epidemic control. These activities will join the portfolio of partners implementing the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program in the DRC.
USAID/DRC envisions that this CHALPA award will focus on service delivery separately in fourteen (14) health zones for CHALPA in Lualaba. Solicitations for covering the remaining two provinces will be issued separately. The programs will collaborate with existing (EpiC/360, IHP/ABT, Chemonics Francophone Task Order) and new implementers across the project. The number of health zones supported in each province can change depending on PEPFAR and the GDRC orientations. The service delivery model intends that each activity in a specific province will include all aspects of HIV epidemic control, Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and some key populations (KPs) programming, to ensure smooth transition of the existing key populations program (EpiC).
Goal: Improved HIV response to ensure sustained epidemic control in targeted health zones in Lualaba Province.
Objectives
This program goal will be accomplished through the achievement of the following four objectives:
Objective 1: Increase uptake of HIV and other prevention services for priority and key populations. Expected intermediate results:
IR. 1.1 Improved community environment to support prevention services
IR 1.2 Increased availability and uptake of HIV and other prevention services at both facility and community levels
IR.1.3 KPs and other high risk populations networks strengthened
Objective 2: Increase uptake of HIV testing services at both facility and community levels Expected intermediate results:
IR 2.1 Increased availability of comprehensive HIV testing services
IR 2.2 Improved HTS approaches to optimize HIV finding and linkage to ART services
IR 2.3 Improved integration of self-testing and other innovative testing approaches
Objective 3: Increase uptake and continued engagement in high quality of HIV treatment, OVC and laboratory services Expected intermediate results:
IR 3.1 Improved access to comprehensive HIV care and treatment, and support services for adults and children
IR 3.3 Improved health, wellbeing, protection, and economic security among OVC and their families
IR 3.4 Improved access to lab services
Objective 4: Strengthen DRC health data systems for the management and evaluation of the HIV response. Expected intermediate results:
IR 4.1 Streamlined data collection processes and procedures to improve functionality of data collection systems
IR 4.2 Increased use of reliable data to improve quality and effectiveness of service delivery
Funding Information
Estimated Total Program Funding: $13,500,000
Award Ceiling: $13,500,000
This award will have an initial 3-year period of performance, with a renewal/continuation period of 2 years (up to 5 years total).
Expected Activities
USAID seeks activities which will engage communities and PLHIV to address discrimination and stigma related to HIV. The recipient will be expected to coordinate their demand-creation activities with other USAID-supported social and behavior change communication efforts. In addition to building individual empowerment and efficacy for behavior change, addressing community beliefs, norms, and attitudes can foster a strong community environment for collective behavior change. Similarly, facilities should ensure client sensitivity, client satisfaction and positive provider attitudes. USAID wishes to fund the recipient’s programs which will improve the community environment by addressing structural barriers to accessing HIV services.
Expected outcomes
Improved linkages and networks between families, communities, and facilities that enhance easy access to comprehensive and integrated HIV prevention services
Increased sensitization and education of HIV, prevention (including FP), and social-cultural behavior
Reduced levels of stigma and discrimination among health providers
Increased capacity of HIV services to mitigate barriers (i.e., social, financial) to accessing HIV services for PLHIV and affected families
Increased community engagement to counter sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and support survivors
Improved violence protection and response systems for KPs and PLHIV
Strengthened referral and coordination mechanisms at subnational levels to address barriers to KPs and PLHIV access and service uptake
Increased number of facility and community sites that provide comprehensive HIV prevention services Increased uptake of PrEP (PrEP_NEW) by priority and KPs
Increased Couple-Years of Protection (CYP) FP methods during a one-year period
Eligibility
Eligibility for this NOFO is restricted to local entities.
Only local organizations as defined are eligible for award. 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
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.
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.
Posted Date:May 19, 2023