Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) Project Cooperative Agreement No. 7200AA19CA00002 Quarterly Progress Report January 1 to March 31, 2020

The project aims to achieve and maintain epidemic control through strategic technical assistance to improve HIV prevention, case finding, care, and treatment programming in PEPFAR-supported countries. EpiC has four objectives: attaining and maintaining HIV epidemic control among at-risk adult men, women, and priority populations; attaining and maintaining HIV epidemic control among key populations; improving program management, including health information systems and human resources for health; and supporting the transition of prime funding and implementation to capable local partners. The project is implemented by FHI 360, with core partners Population Services International (PSI), Palladium Group, Right to Care, and Gobee Group. EpiC is designed to break through persistent barriers and promote self-reliant management of national HIV programs to help countries reach the 95-95-95 targets set by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The project has a budget of $135 million and is active in 11 countries/regions, with funding levels ranging from $375,000 to $21,817,465. Technical Oversight and Management (TOM+) is a key component of the EpiC project, focusing on general technical oversight, HIV self-testing, strategic information, and local partner capacity building. During the period under review, an EpiC team conducted a scoping trip to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan to support the new Central Asia buy-in. The team included a local consultant from Palladium, who provided significant technical expertise and contextual knowledge in the three countries. HIV self-testing is another key area of focus for TOM+, with Dr. Karin Hatzold from PSI conducting technical support during the period January to March 2020. The project aims to improve HIV testing services, including HIV self-testing, to increase access to HIV testing and diagnosis. EpiC also supports the development of strategic information systems to track HIV-related data and monitor program progress. The project has made significant progress in its first quarter, with the EpiC team conducting a scoping trip to Central Asia and providing technical support for HIV self-testing. The project has also established a strong partnership with local organizations, including civil society organizations and local governments, to support the implementation of HIV programs. Overall, the EpiC project is making significant progress towards its objectives, with a strong focus on technical oversight, HIV self-testing, and strategic information. The project has also made significant progress in its collaboration with other organizations, including the Key Population Investment Fund (KPIF) and the Sustainable Financing Initiative (SFI). The KPIF aims to support key populations, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, and people who inject drugs, to access HIV services. The SFI aims to support the development of sustainable financing mechanisms for HIV programs, including the use of social contracting and fiscal policy. In addition to its technical work, the EpiC project has also made significant progress in its program management and operations. The project has established a strong team, including a country director, program managers, and technical advisors, to support the implementation of HIV programs. The project has also established a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track program progress and identify areas for improvement. The project has also made significant progress in its compliance with USAID and PEPFAR requirements, including gender, environmental compliance, and family planning compliance. The project has established a strong partnership with local organizations, including civil society organizations and local governments, to support the implementation of HIV programs. Overall, the EpiC project is making significant progress towards its objectives, with a strong focus on technical oversight, HIV self-testing, and strategic information.