SAFEStart+ Community Request for Proposals (RfP) -Malawi
Country- and Community-Led Scale-Up of Integrated EMTCT Services in Malawi
SAFEStart+ is pleased to invite civil society organisations (CSOs) in Blantyre and Mulanje (Malawi) to apply for funding to support community-driven activities advancing the triple elimination of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis, with a focus on elimination of vertical transmission (EVT).
With support from Unitaid, SAFEStart+ is led by PATH in partnership with the World Hepatitis Alliance and International Community of Women Living with HIV-Eastern Africa (ICWEA).
Background
Despite major progress in child survival, nearly five million children die each year before their fifth birthday—many within the first month of life. Vertical transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis remains a leading cause of preventable illness and death.
Triple elimination refers to integrated prevention, testing, diagnosis, and treatment of these three infections to eliminate mother-to-child transmission and reduce wider community transmission.
Achieving this requires not only strong health systems, but also meaningful community leadership and engagement. Communities play a critical role in:
- Identifying barriers to care
- Reaching underserved populations
- Reducing stigma and discrimination
- Improving uptake and acceptability of services
Purpose of the Call
This RfP aims to fund CSOs in Blantyre and Mulanje in Malawi to support data collection for a Values & Preferences (V&P) study on integrated EVT services.
The study will be led by project partners, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) and PATH Malawi, and will inform the design and implementation of SAFEStart+ programming in Malawi.
Scope of Work
Selected CSOs will:
- Conduct community sensitisation and mobilisation
- Recruit participants for surveys and FGDs
- Disseminate surveys within target populations
- Support participant identification for FGDs
- Participate in data quality checks and reviews
- Collaborate closely with Solina on methodology and implementation
Targets
- 100 survey participants across both states
- 20 FGD participants
Coordination
- Work under the leadership of KUHeS and PATH Malawi
- Participate in bi-weekly coordination meetings
Geographic Focus
- Blantyre: Ndirande H/C, Mpemba H/C, Chileka H/C and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital
- Mulanje: Mulanje District Hospital, Chonde H/C, Mimosa H/C, and Mulanje mission
Funding & Duration
- Budget ceiling: Up to $10,000 USD per state
- Project duration: Up to 4 months
- CSOs may apply for one or both districts
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a registered NGO/CSO operating in Blantyre and/or Mulanje
- Have experience in community engagement and community-based research
- Demonstrate capacity to deliver activities relating to triple elimination and manage funds
- Have basic financial and organisational management systems
Additional Requirements
- Ability to comply with reporting and accountability requirements
- Willingness to undergo due diligence and compliance checks
- Commitment to non-discrimination and ethical practices
What We’re Looking For
Strong proposals will:
- Demonstrate deep community reach and trust
- Show experience working with target populations
- Present a clear, feasible recruitment strategy
- Address HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis approaches
How to Apply
📄 Download the full RfP and budget template
📩 Submit your application by email to: safestart@worldhepatitisalliance.org
📅 Deadline: 10 May 2026 23:59 WATQuestions & Support
For any questions regarding this call, please contact:
📧 safestart@worldhepatitisalliance.org and Camila.picchio@worldhepatitisalliance.orgCommitment to Community Leadership
SAFEStart+ places communities at the centre of research and implementation. We strongly encourage applications from organisations rooted in the communities they serve and committed to advancing equitable, inclusive, and people-centred health services.