The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights for strengthening services aimed at children, adolescents, youth, and families affected by the HIV epidemic in Eswatini. This RFI, numbered 720674RFI00001, serves as a planning tool and is not a formal funding request. The objective is to solicit feedback on current programming and organizational capabilities to enhance HIV epidemic control efforts, building on the successes of the PEPFAR program.
The anticipated activity will focus on reducing new HIV infections while increasing resilience among targeted demographics through evidence-based interventions, local partnerships, and system strengthening. Key areas of interest include enhancing program sustainability, engaging youth, and addressing challenges in HIV prevention and social protection.
USAID seeks responses to specific questions regarding barriers in HIV programming, effective interventions, economic models for support, and strategies for transitioning initiatives to government oversight. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their insights and capabilities by January 10, 2025, and USAID anticipates hosting an Industry Day Conference to foster collaboration among potential partners.
Responses will be treated confidentially, and only informative submissions will be evaluated as part of USAID's planning efforts.
The "Strengthening Services for Children, Adolescents, Youth, and Families in the HIV Epidemic (CAYFHE) in Eswatini Activity" aims to enhance HIV prevention and care services in Eswatini, targeting vulnerable populations, particularly children and adolescents. Despite significant progress in the country's HIV response, challenges persist, including high incidence rates among youth and a lack of access to treatment. This initiative, aligned with the Government of Eswatini’s National Strategic Framework and PEPFAR’s efforts, focuses on two objectives: improving targeted prevention services and increasing access to health and social protection services.
Key approaches include identifying and enrolling at-risk youth, providing youth-friendly health services, and addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities through skills training and community support. The program will implement strategies to strengthen community engagement and empower adolescents against gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful norms. The geographic focus spans the Shiselweni and Lubombo regions, with an emphasis on integrating services and fostering long-term sustainability.
The document highlights the necessity of collaboration, gender considerations, and evidence-based strategies to adaptively manage interventions, ensuring they meet the community's evolving needs. Overall, this activity signifies a commitment to achieving epidemic control and improving overall health outcomes for affected families.