Unitaid has launched a new call for proposals to strengthen people-centered care by improving access to diagnostics through integrated tools and delivery approaches. The initiative seeks innovative projects that expand diagnostic access in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), focusing on affordability, effectiveness, and scalability.
Background
Access to diagnostics remains critically low worldwide, with less than half of the global population having adequate access. This leads to:
- Delayed or missed diagnoses
- Inappropriate treatments
- Preventable deaths from infectious and noncommunicable diseases
Recent innovations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, have created opportunities to close this diagnostic gap. Unitaid and partners have invested heavily in HIV and TB diagnostic infrastructure, which now provides a foundation for multi-disease integration.
Vision for Integrated Diagnostics
Integrated diagnostics aim to break down silos between disease programs and optimize limited resources. Key benefits include:
- Improved access to testing services
- Increased efficiency in diagnostic delivery
- Strengthened resilience of health systems
Integration can occur at multiple levels:
- Integrated Products: Multiplex tests, multi-disease platforms, and multi-modal platforms capable of detecting several pathogens or biomarkers in one tool.
- Integrated Service Delivery: Using one clinical interaction to address multiple health issues (e.g., antenatal care visits screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B).
- Integrated Systems: Streamlined supply chains, shared human resources, interoperable data systems, and coordinated procurement.
Objectives of the Call
Unitaid seeks proposals that will:
- Support countries and communities in designing and deploying integrated diagnostic strategies.
- Accelerate adoption and deployment of integrated diagnostic tools, especially at or near the point of care.
- Expand testing capacity at the lowest levels of the health system.
- Demonstrate scalable implementation models responsive to diverse country contexts.
Priority programs include:
- HIV
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Hepatitis
- Cervical cancer
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Women’s health
- Emerging global health threats
Scope of Work
Proposals should:
- Undertake efforts in 4–5 countries.
- Pilot initiatives that demonstrate feasibility, viability, and impact.
- Provide clear pathways for nation-wide adoption and regional influence.
- Incorporate community and civil society engagement in project design and implementation.
- Include plans for sustainable financing mechanisms to ensure long-term impact.
Areas out of scope include:
- Products in early-stage development requiring feasibility studies.
- Full-scale implementation or delivery of products.
- Single-country proposals.
Funding
- Approximate total funding: US$ 25 million
- Duration: 3–5 years
- Preference for regional or South-based consortium leads with experience in multi-country projects.
- At least 51% of budget allocation recommended for global South partners.
Expected Impact
Projects should contribute to Unitaid’s Theory of Change by:
- Generating evidence on integrated diagnostics use cases.
- Expanding testing access within priority programs.
- Strengthening country preparedness and disease surveillance.
- Improving health system efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Facilitating rapid deployment of future diagnostics.
Proposal Requirements
Submissions must include:
- Annex 1: Project Plan
- Annex 2: Budget Overview
- Annex 3: GANTT Chart (timeline 3–5 years)
- Annex 4: Organizational details and CVs of key team members
- Annex 5–9: Declarations (interests, ethics, anti-terrorism, tobacco, financial statements)
Additional guidance documents are available on Unitaid’s website.
Important Dates
- Webinar: 6 November 2025, 13:00 CET (recording available afterward)
- Closing Date: 29 January 2026
Submission Process
- Proposals must be submitted electronically to: proposalsUnitaid@who.int
- Applicants should outline clear assumptions, risks, and pathways to impact.
- After review, selected applicants will be invited to develop a full grant agreement.
Key Considerations
- Strong community and civil society engagement is essential.
- Proposals should demonstrate value for money and measurable impact.
- Climate and environmental commitments must be integrated, including efforts to minimize carbon emissions.
- Collaboration across implementers is encouraged to maximize scalability and sustainability.
This call represents a catalytic opportunity to transform diagnostic access in LMICs. By leveraging integrated tools and approaches, Unitaid aims to strengthen health systems, improve patient outcomes, and prepare countries for future health threats. Learn more and Apply now.