Unitaid launches call for innovative proposals in Cape Verde

Unitaid, a leading organisation in financing innovative solutions to global health challenges, recently announced a call for proposals to support transformative projects in Cape Verde. This initiative aims to strengthen local health systems, improve access to essential treatments and promote innovation in critical areas such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. With a particular focus on sustainable solutions with a lasting impact, this opportunity represents a significant step towards boosting public health in the archipelago.

Priority Areas and Objectives

Unitaid's call is centred on three main areas that reflect the biggest health challenges in Cape Verde:

1. Access to Medicines and TechnologiesProposals to facilitate access to essential medicines, especially for neglected diseases or those with a high prevalence in the country. This includes solutions to reduce costs, improve distribution and guarantee availability in remote regions.
2. Innovation in Diagnosis and TreatmentProjects that introduce advanced technologies or innovative methodologies for early diagnosis and efficient treatment. Examples include the use of artificial intelligence to analyse data or portable devices for rapid testing.
3. Strengthening Health SystemsInitiatives aimed at improving institutional capacity, training health professionals and integrating services. Sustainability and scalability are essential criteria in this category.

Who can take part?

The call is open to a wide range of organisations, including:

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with proven experience in public health.
• Research Institutions and Universities that develop evidence-based solutions.
• Technology companies and start-ups with innovations applicable to the health sector.
• Public organisations that seek partnerships to implement more effective health policies.

Collaboration between different actors is highly encouraged, as multidisciplinary projects tend to have a more far-reaching and sustainable impact.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be assessed on the basis of several key criteria:

• Potential ImpactThe project's capacity to generate significant and measurable changes in public health.
• Innovation: Originality of the proposed solution and its potential to overcome existing barriers.
• SustainabilityA clear plan for the continuation of the project after the initial funding.
• ViabilityAdequate human, technical and financial resources for implementation.

How to submit a proposal?

Interested parties must follow a structured process to ensure that their proposals are considered:

1. Online registrationGo to the official Unitaid platform and create an account.
2. Filling in the form: Detail the project, including objectives, methodology, budget and timetable.
3. Document Submission: Send complementary documents such as letters of support, team CVs and feasibility studies.
4. Review and follow-upAfter submission, the proposals will undergo a rigorous evaluation, with feedback provided to the selected candidates.

Why is this call important for Cape Verde?

Cape Verde faces unique challenges in the health sector, including the geographical dispersion of the islands, limited resources and the need to modernise infrastructure. This Unitaid call offers an unprecedented opportunity to:

• Reducing InequalitiesEnsure that all communities, including the most vulnerable, have access to quality healthcare.
• Promoting self-sufficiencyDevelop local capacities so that the country can respond more efficiently to future health crises.
• Investment AttractivenessSuccessful projects can attract more funding and international partnerships, further strengthening the sector.

Next Steps and Deadline

Interested organisations should act quickly, because the deadline for submitting proposals is 29 January 2026. For more information and to submit your proposal, visit the https://unitaid.org/call-for-proposal/improving-access-to-diagnostics-through-the-adoption-of-tools-and-approaches-that-drive-integration/

This is a unique chance to contribute to a healthier and more resilient future in Cape Verde. Don't miss your chance to be part of this transformation!