The USAID Primary Health Care Improvement Program (UPHIP) is a funding initiative aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s primary healthcare (PHC) systems to support better health outcomes, particularly in maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) and malaria care. Announced in October 2024, this program targets local Nigerian organizations that are legally based in Nigeria, with a principal place of operation in the country, and majority ownership by Nigerian citizens or lawful permanent residents. Faith-based organizations are also eligible, as are new and underutilized partners that have limited prior USAID funding. Applications are due by November 15, 2024, with a pre-application conference on October 23, 2024, in Abuja.

The total funding for this program is anticipated to be $40 million over a five-year period, with an initial three-year period funded up to $24 million, and an optional renewal phase of two additional years budgeted at $16 million. Funding availability and renewal decisions will be based on performance indicators that demonstrate progress, such as increased healthcare capacity at health facilities, improved malaria treatment accuracy, and reduction in maternal mortality rates. Selected projects will operate under a cooperative agreement format, which includes USAID’s significant oversight, including the review and approval of annual work plans, key personnel, and subawards.

UPHIP aims to address significant health challenges in Nigeria, which has one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates globally, due to factors like inadequate healthcare access, quality issues, and socio-economic barriers. The program’s objectives include building resilient, people-centered PHC systems that offer continuous care across patients' lifespans and improving the quality of services in alignment with the Government of Nigeria’s (GoN) National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). USAID seeks to work collaboratively with other USAID-supported projects in Nigeria focused on health workforce development, healthcare financing, community health, and social behavior change to amplify results.

UPHIP focuses on five core components for strengthening PHC: differentiated care models, community engagement, effective management at subnational and facility levels, systems integration, and resilient health systems. The program includes initiatives such as scaling proven health interventions, fostering community engagement, and building sustainable management practices. Activities are expected to be data-driven, utilize differentiated technical assistance based on local needs, and be adaptable to Nigeria's diverse healthcare landscape. The initiative will also support the GoN in addressing health equity and quality of care, particularly for underrepresented groups, through tailored technical assistance and partnerships.

Eligible applicants must submit comprehensive proposals by the deadline, including concept papers that outline strategic approaches, monitoring and evaluation plans, and collaboration strategies. Proposals should demonstrate strong local capacity, cost-efficiency, and adaptability to USAID’s multi-tiered monitoring approach, which includes regular performance reporting and adherence to USAID’s data quality standards. Proposals should also integrate gender and social inclusion considerations and address barriers to health access, such as financial and cultural obstacles.

The UPHIP program will prioritize sustainable, locally-led solutions, aligning with USAID’s goals of expanding access to quality healthcare and supporting self-reliance in Nigerian healthcare systems.