COVID-19

Preparing Funding Requests for C19RM in 2021

12 March 2021

Operational Update on Preparing Funding Requests for C19RM in 2021
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With the announcement that the United States will provide US$3.5 billion to the Global Fund’s COVID-19 response, the Global Fund is able to continue to support the COVID-19 fight in 2021. We are delighted that the Global Fund will be able to continue to support countries that are eligible for Global Fund support and their national responses in efforts to contain COVID-19 and mitigate the impact on HIV, TB and malaria; we express our appreciation to the United States and other donors for making this possible.

As we finalize the details of the C19RM application modalities and requirements with the Global Fund Board, below is some information regarding timelines, to help CCMs start preparing funding requests. The activities to be funded remain the same as in 2020:

  • interventions to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on HIV, TB and malaria disease programs,
  • actions to reinforce the response to COVID-19 and
  • initiatives to make urgent improvements in health and community systems, including laboratory networks, supply chains and engagement with vulnerable communities.

We currently anticipate that there could be two tracks to apply:  

  • a fast-track approach for COVID-19 for urgent needs in PPE, diagnostics and therapeutics such as oxygen.
  • two submission windows.

If confirmed, the fast-track approach will start as soon as 1 April, and the two submission windows will be scheduled for end of May and end of June 2021. 

As in the first phase of C19RM, CCMs need to ensure adequate consultation and inclusive decision-making in the process of developing and submitting funding requests. Effective community and civil society engagement remain crucial for developing a robust response to the pandemic, including opportunities to support community-led initiatives, both to mitigate the impact on HIV, TB and malaria services, and to strengthen the national COVID-19 response. CCM funding can be used to facilitate inclusive dialogue, particularly to ensure community engagement and of those institutions leading the national response.

C19RM revised application materials will be published shortly, including guidance developed in collaboration with partners to inform the design of C19RM funding requests. CCMs can bookmark the Global Fund’s C19RM website and check for updates.  

Together we must act swiftly to reinforce national responses to the pandemic and to mitigate the damage to HIV, TB and malaria services. This crisis is a test of the resilience and flexibility of the Global Fund partnership. We are confident that together we can meet this test, beat COVID-19 and protect the hard-won gains on HIV, TB and malaria, leaving no-one behind.