The Public Diplomacy Section in collaboration with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is seeking applications to implement a project entitled Empowering communities to protect and promote health through preventing Zika and other vector borne diseases. The goal of this project is to empower vulnerable communities living in “non-lotis” or slums of Ouagadougou through information sharing and training using the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) curriculum. The beneficiary communities will be empowered with information and resources to prevent Zika and other vector borne diseases. The project will have a strong sensitization component and the training of local trainers who will be trusted with education of the population and the sustainability of the project.
Who is eligible to apply for Small Public Diplomacy (PD) Grants Program for Combatting Zika and Vector-Borne Diseases
Alumni of the United States Government Exchange programs such as Humphrey, Fulbright, YALI, IVLP, and YLP are the primary targets to implement for the opportunity. Alumni can team up with non-alumni to submit proposals.
What projects are eligible for funding?
The project must engage vulnerable communities living in the “non-lotis” or slums of Ouagadougou with a strong emphasis on information sharing and training using the GLOBE curriculum. Eligible projects should have a strong sensitization component and training of local trainers (e.g. health clubs in local schools). The project should be sustainable and not require continued support after the one-time contribution.
How much are the grants?
The amounts applicants can request vary from $10,000 to $22,500. Applicants should attach a detailed budget and budget narrative to their proposals.
Program Goals to be met
The goal of this multi-faceted project is to empower communities through education and skill development to be able to take action to protect themselves and their communities from potential infectious disease threats, especially mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika and dengue. The program will be composed of three main elements: communication campaign, training and implementation of the GLOBE curriculum, and a robust evaluation.
This program directly supports the Office of Environment and Science (OES) Bureau goal 6 (Increase Pandemic Preparedness and Improved Global Health) and Embassy Ouagadougou’s Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) goal 3.2 (Improve health and nutrition of the people of Burkina Faso) by supporting science based communication and education strategies to empower communities with increased knowledge and skills to better protect the population from infectious disease threats.
The program will focus on teaching the GLOBE protocol to increase knowledge on mosquitos and mosquito-borne diseases and how to prevent their spread.
Finally, this program supports the Public Diplomacy goals of supporting alumni and building on their exchange experience sand the Embassy Ouagadougou goal of encouraging citizen engagement with government.
Through the use of community education/communication campaigns and implementation of the GLOBE mosquito protocol, we plan to:
- Increase knowledge of mosquitos and mosquito-borne diseases which can empower communities with information on the best time to engage in vector control activities to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases (such as dengue and Zika)
- Increase knowledge on concrete actions a community or an individual can take to prevent the spread of Zika and dengue in their communities
- Foster Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in select communities in Ouagadougou
- Provide information to the U.S. embassy inter-agency and the government of Burkina Faso on a potential science based program which could be scaled up as a part of the arbovirus preparedness and response plan
Main Activities to be performed
This program will tap into the creativity, energy and innovation of the U.S. Embassy exchange program Alumni Association which is made up of the U.S. government sponsored exchange program participants and alumni living in Burkina Faso. The program will include a competitive mini-grant opportunity for members of the alumni organization or associations with which alumni have an affiliation. At least two alumni must team up on the proposal. This strategic approach will allow for innovative approaches from individuals living and working in the communities in Ouagadougou most affected by the threat of Zika, dengue or other vector borne diseases. This approach will also promote the Department of State’s commitment to continuing to support alumni and building on their exchange experience.
The mini-grant process will allow for creativity in approach but all proposals will be composed of the following three elements:
- Innovative communication campaign on the risks of vector borne diseases.
- Educator or community leader training on how to use the GLOBE program’s mosquito protocol with youth in schools, youth groups or other organized settings with the purpose of educating and empowering youth
- Evaluation component which will allow for feedback on the effectiveness of the intervention and provide evidence for possible inclusion in the national or sub-national arbovirus preparedness and response plans
In addition, the mini-grant proposals will be required to focus on a specific sub-geographical area of Ouagadougou and will need to justify the selected area based on burden, political will, population affected, or other related factors.
Timeline:
- Mini-grant call for proposals published –August 1, 2017
- Proposals due – August 15, 2017
- Selection of awardees for mini-grant – Sept 7, 2017
- Implementation of mini-grant project(s) – Sept 15, 2017 – August 31, 2018
- Presentation of results to Alumni Association, US Embassy interagency team – September 2018
- Presentation to the Ministry of Health – September 2018
(Note: this is based on the academic year which starts in October allowing grantee to reach out and implement directly in schools and when youth are most available.). All projects must be completed in one year and preferably before the end of the fiscal year that is September 30, 2018.
How are projects approved?
An Embassy committee will meet upon receipts of applications and select the winning proposals.
How to apply?
The standard mini-grant application form can be downloaded here
What is the deadline for application?
All applications must be received by the close of business (5pm) on August 15, 2017 at the U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou SCAC (Service CAC) or electronically to email address provided below.
IMPORTANT
All grant recipients must be registered in DUNS and SAMS
Application Package:
To apply, please complete a project narrative and budget as outlined in the form found here. Send the completed form to amembouaga@state.gov , with “Small Public Diplomacy (PD) grants program for combatting Zika and vector-borne diseases” in the subject line. We will notify you upon receipt of your application.
