Request for Proposals: The Operational Plan for Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Care, Management and Treatment for South Africa

In November 2003, the South African Cabinet approved The Operational Plan for Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care, Management and Treatment for South Africa.

The plan envisages a research programme that focuses on practical questions that are necessary for better understanding and improving the provision of comprehensive HIV and AIDS care and treatment. The objective of the research agenda is to conduct studies whose answers will define the most effective provision of HIV and AIDS care and treatment, and guide programme implementation. This will help to answer crucial questions that will inform improvements in the quality and efficacy of the programme. This RFP is part of the process of disseminating funds to take forwards this innovative research agenda. The Operational Plan for Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care, Management and Treatment for South Africa is available at www.doh.gov.za.

Description:

This is a call for proposals for innovative research on HIV and AIDS. It is not intended to support the provision of services. Awards will be limited to a maximum of R1 million per annum. Successful proposals will be funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) with the funds specifically allocated to the MRC by the National Department of Health for the Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Plan. These should be proposals for projects addressing one or more of the following research priority areas:

• 1. Clinical, social and behavioural research in HIV prevention, treatment and care addressing programme issues such as HIV & tuberculosis; opportunistic infections or co-infections; antiretroviral therapy; drug resistance; efficacy and toxicity monitoring approaches in the South African context; nutrition; and complementary/traditional medicines in treatment of AIDS.
• 2. Health systems research related to activities aimed at improving the health system?’s capacity to handle the increased service requirements established by the implementation of the plan. Proposals should also aim to offer approaches and technologies that enhance the goals of the Comprehensive HIV and AIDS plan. (Refer to Appendix I for a more detailed list of suggested research areas).


Project Duration:

Funding will be awarded for periods up to 36 months.

Who May Apply:

Proposals may be submitted by local public or private organisations, including universities, research institutions, NGOs, etc. Awards will not be provided directly to individuals. Proposals may be awarded with a foreign Principal Investigator providing there is also a South African Principal Investigator and the intellectual property remains in South Africa.

The full document can be downloaded on the righthand side of this page