Achieving Undetectable=Untransmittable in India through Quality Laboratory Testing, Workforce Development, Improved Result Utilization, and Strong Laboratory Epidemiology Platforms for Informed Public Health Response under PEPFAR

Description

The Award Ceiling for Year 1 is 0 (none). CDC anticipates an Approximate Total Fiscal Year Funding amount of $2,500,000 for Year 1, subject to the availability of funds. The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Government of India (GOI), has implemented a series of improvements in laboratory service strengthening and clinical monitoring in people living with HIV (PLHIV). PEPFAR India’s overarching goal is to build on the five-year project on laboratory system strengthening and harmonize NACO’s efforts for a coordinated laboratory readiness and response using the UNAIDS 95-95-95 strategic framework. This NOFO will build on the achievements of viral load (VL) scale-up through further strengthening of laboratory capacities, quality assurance, addressing the HIV testing gaps that will require novel approaches to accelerate and achieve sustained viral suppression. In addition, it will strengthen testing capacities for index testing, recency testing, and molecular epidemiology tests to understand transmission networks, drug resistance patterns, and inform public heath action. This NOFO will expand use of rapid molecular cartridge-based nucleic acid tests (CBNAAT); rapid urine lipoarabinomannan (LAM) assay to expedite TB/HIV diagnosis among hospitalized and/or severely-ill PLHIV and reduce mortality. It will also improve TB/HIV diagnostic integration within the national tiered laboratory network thereby improving timeliness and accuracy of TB/HIV diagnoses. Specific outcomes will include demonstrated sustained epidemic control by increased access to VL test and VL suppression to 95% in PEPFAR districts.

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