The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) issued a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at enhancing services for children, adolescents, youth, and families affected by the HIV epidemic in Eswatini. This initiative seeks stakeholder input for the development of programming that addresses the critical transition from emergency to sustainable responses in HIV care. The RFI outlines USAID’s commitment to building on previous gains in HIV management and aims to prevent new infections while strengthening public health systems.
Key objectives include providing evidence-based interventions, promoting health and social services, and increasing the resilience of vulnerable populations. USAID invites organizations with relevant experience to contribute insights into barriers, effective interventions, economic models, and sustainability strategies for ongoing HIV response efforts.
Responses should focus on specific questions regarding challenges and successful interventions, with a 5-page narrative and a 1-page capabilities statement required. An Industry Day Conference will be held for networking and collaboration. Input from responses will guide the design of future programming, ensuring alignment with the strategic priorities of the Kingdom of Eswatini and fostering local organizational capacity.
The Strengthening Services for Children, Adolescents, Youth, and Families in the HIV Epidemic (CAYFHE) in Eswatini Activity seeks funding under the Foreign Assistance Act to enhance the nation's HIV response. Eswatini has made progress in HIV treatment and awareness but still faces challenges, particularly among youth, with a significant number of new infections and ongoing stigma. The activity aims to build on existing initiatives like the DREAMS program by implementing evidence-based interventions focused on prevention, social protection, and the overall well-being of children and adolescents at risk of HIV.
The program's objectives include improving prevention services and increasing access to health and social protection for affected populations. Key strategies involve identifying at-risk youth, enhancing healthcare linkages, strengthening educational outcomes, and addressing harmful gender norms. Collaborative efforts will leverage existing resources and integrate with local communities to ensure sustainable outcomes.
The geographic focus is on the Shiselweni and Lubombo regions, targeting vulnerable children, adolescents, and families, particularly those at heightened risk of HIV. The approach emphasizes case management, community engagement, and promoting gender equality to reduce disparities in service access and treatment outcomes. Overall, this initiative is aligned with both national and international strategies to achieve epidemic control in Eswatini.