Building and Improving Laboratory Capacity and Quality in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

Description

Access to quality assured diagnostics and laboratory services is critical to the effective diagnosis, treatment, and management of HIV and other HIV-related diseases, including TB. Achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets requires establishment and operationalization of laboratory and diagnostic networks. PEPFAR DRC supported laboratory and integrated diagnostic network strengthening efforts have led to improved access to the quality diagnostic and patient monitoring services. The data reports show improved viral load (VL) coverage from 27% to 56% in FY16 and FY17 and 75% suppression rate. However, efforts are needed to improve viral load coverage and suppression and create and maintain laboratory capacity, including continuous quality improvement (QI) and system strengthening. PEPFAR DRC strategy includes strengthening the lab capacity in country in order to achieve HIV/AIDS elimination by 2030. This NOFO will focus on building laboratory capacity and improving the provision of HIV testing activities in all PEPFAR supported health zones in DRC. The activities include scaling up of HIV Viral Load and Infant Virologic Testing /Early Infant Diagnostic (IVT/EID) testing and monitoring and strengthening HIV/AIDS diagnostics capacity and quality management system. Applicants shall demonstrate working knowledge of PEPFAR regulations, ability to work in DRC context, and maintain a presence in-country to meet the needs described in this funding opportunity.

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