The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued a Request for Application (RFA) for the Integrated Health Systems Strengthening (IHSS) program. This program aims to enhance health systems in various countries by implementing locally-led, evidence-driven approaches to achieve sustainable and equitable health outcomes. This RFA is open to all eligible applicants and seeks to award a cooperative agreement with a funding availability of up to $325 million over five years.
The primary purpose is to strengthen primary health care, advance universal health coverage, improve health outcomes, and ultimately build global health security, particularly after setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program emphasizes integrated health system activities across public and private sectors, focusing on financial protection, access to essential services, and community health systems.
Applicants are encouraged to incorporate various focus areas including localization, gender equity, social inclusion, and health system resilience. The closing date for submission of applications is July 6, 2024, with a thorough review process based on set merit criteria and risk assessments. The document outlines specific eligibility criteria, application instructions, and the necessary components for a successful proposal.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Integrated Health Systems Strengthening (IHSS) program, aimed at improving health systems in various countries using evidence-driven and locally-led approaches. This five-year initiative, with a funding ceiling of $325 million, focuses on advancing primary health care, achieving universal health coverage, and improving health outcomes. It emphasizes the integration of multiple health system components and addresses challenges such as financial efficiency, workforce development, and system resilience, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key objectives include enhancing access to quality health services, strengthening governance, promoting localization, increasing social inclusion, and reinforcing health system resilience against emergencies and shocks, including climate change. Eligible applicants include organizations with a strong management capacity operating in regions that demonstrate a need for health systems improvement. The RFA invites collaborations among diverse stakeholders to support sustainable health development, with applicants encouraged to submit inquiries by May 21 and applications by July 6, 2024, to facilitate thoughtful program execution.