The Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination (CGHE) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) aimed at enhancing the awareness and implementation of Hepatitis B Birth Dose (HepB-BD) vaccination across Africa. This initiative seeks to engage Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to promote policy development and advocacy for universal HepB-BD vaccination, with a deadline for proposals set for October 10, 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Funding Opportunities: Up to $20,000 available for selected proposals.
- Implementation Period: January to July 2025.
- Target Populations: Pregnant individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
Project Goals
The primary objective of this initiative is to promote the development and implementation of HepB-BD policies in African nations. The CGHE aims to improve awareness among various stakeholders, including:
- Pregnant persons and their families
- Healthcare workers (HCWs)
- Public and policymakers
Funding Categories
Proposals can be submitted under two funding categories:
- Up to $20,000
- Up to $10,000
CGHE plans to fund up to eight applicants, with expected awards ranging from $7,500 to $15,000. The organization may request revisions to the scope of work and budget based on the quality of applications received.
Required Activities
Successful applicants will be expected to undertake several key activities, including:
- High-Level Meetings: Organize at least one meeting with Ministry of Health officials to secure support for HepB-BD policy development.
- Communication Materials: Develop infographics, audio/visual recordings, and posters to promote HepB-BD vaccination, utilizing local languages where appropriate.
- Campaign Design: Create a coordinated campaign targeting specific populations through mass media, radio, TV, public events, and training sessions.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with key stakeholders, particularly ministries of health, to gather feedback on communication materials and campaign strategies.
- Campaign Implementation: Execute the communication campaign effectively.
- Impact Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of the activities undertaken.
Target Populations
The initiative aims to reach a diverse range of target populations, including:
- Political leaders and policymakers
- Healthcare providers, especially those involved in maternal and child health
- Community leaders and health officials
- The general public, particularly pregnant individuals and women of childbearing age
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Civil Society Organization (CSO) based in Africa.
- Have a main point of contact located in the country where the advocacy campaigns will be organized.
- Preference will be given to CSOs with experience in health promotion related to infant immunization, hepatitis B immunization, and maternal-child health.
This initiative represents a significant step towards combating hepatitis B in Africa, aiming to ensure that newborns receive the necessary vaccinations to protect them from this preventable disease. By engaging local organizations, the CGHE and CDC hope to foster a collaborative approach to public health advocacy across the continent.
Sources
- Request for Proposals: Hepatitis B Birth Dose (HepB-BD) Advocacy in Africa – fundsforNGOs, fundsforNGOs.
- Request for Proposals: Hepatitis B Birth Dose (HepB-BD) Advocacy in Africa – fundsforNGOs, fundsforNGOs.
