About

FIND and Unitaid have launched a request for proposals (RFP) to select services of organizations, with a proven record of advocacy and awareness-raising in healthcare in low- and middle-income countries, to implement projects to achieve the below specific objectives:

• Increase access and uptake to COVID-19 testing and therapeutics, as they get recommended, through development and implementation of robust and evidence-based advocacy strategies supported by advocacy, literacy and communication materials and initiatives adapted to specific population groups, regional and country contexts
• Disseminate and amplify these materials and initiatives through appropriate communication channels to increase prioritization of COVID-19 testing and linkage to treatment in the national pandemic response as well as generate demand for testing and therapeutics within relevant target groups

The overarching goal of the RFP is to create an enabling environment for increased access to and scaled-up use of COVID-19 testing and linkage to treatment in target regions (Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East).

The RFP is designed to be inclusive of a wide range of organizations; it is intended for country-level organizations including, but not limited to, health sector implementers, marketing agencies, advocacy organizations, not-for-profits, community-led and civil society organizations (CCSO), and faith-based organizations.

Funding Information

• The total budget envelope for this RFP is anticipated to be US$ ~2 million.
• This amount would be distributed among selected partners with an average award of no less than US$50,000 to a maximum of US$100,000, depending on financial requirements of the selected applications/awards.
• A project duration between 6–18 months is suggested, exclusive of strategy and materials development, with the possibility of quarterly check-ins both individually as organizations and as a group to create a community of practice among selected partners

Deliverables

Applicants are expected to consider advocacy approaches that will increase testing rates in line with UNGA testing targets (1 test/1000/day), and adequate linkage to treatment, in alignment with recommendations in force, following diagnosis. Activities should be centred on developing advocacy strategies, literacy and messaging and media content for use in local contexts, as well as wider dissemination and amplification. Deliverables are to include:

• A multi-pronged advocacy strategy for increased testing and adequate linkage with treatment based on information gathered about local context, including challenges, opportunities, and target audiences.
• Tailored (and “pressure-tested”) messages on testing and diagnostics, as well as on therapeutics, for key target audiences, including media, key opinion leaders, policy makers, and healthcare workers, and public.
• Advocacy and educational materials, translated into local language and tailored to local contexts for both high-level advocacy and community outreach. To this end ACT-A partners in the Diagnostics Pillar and Therapeutics Pillar would provide relevant information as it becomes available to complement other sources.

Dissemination and amplification of advocacy and educational materials via multiple channels appropriate for local/regional settings and target audiences (e.g., events, social media, radio, television, internet, newspaper, theatre, media training workshops etc.).

Eligibility

Criteria

The RFP is designed to be inclusive of a wide range of organizations; it is intended for country-level organizations including, but not limited to, health sector implementers, marketing agencies, advocacy organizations, not-for-profits, community-led and civil society organizations (CCSO), and faith-based organizations.

However, all applicants should comply with certain requirements to be eligible for consideration and will be excluded if:

• A global or multi-country project is proposed; project implementation is restricted to the country where the applicant is based.
• Applicants are individual advocates or activists.
• Applicant is not legally registered in the country of the activities with at least three (3) years of continued activities.
• Applicant cannot confirm annual financial reporting and payment of taxes in line with national legislation.
• Applicant is bankrupt or in the process of being wound up or ceasing their activities.
• Applicant has been convicted by a final judgement or a final administrative decision or subject to sanctions (this also applies to legal Persons).
• Applicant has been subject, within the last five (5) years to a Contract termination for significant or persistent failure to comply with their contractual obligations.
• Applicant has misrepresented information requested by FIND during the RFP process.
• Applicant cannot commit to and follow FIND Global Access Policy and FIND Code of Conduct and Ethics.

• Post Date: 13-Jan-2022