New Modular Approach Adopted for Outlining Proposed Programmes

Author:

David Garmaise

Article Type:

Article Number: 5

Modules (or “programme areas”) replace the SDAs used under the rounds-based system

ABSTRACT The Global Fund’s new modular approach for describing proposed initiatives replaces service delivery areas and performance frameworks used in the rounds-based system.

In conjunction with the introduction of the new funding model (NFM), the Global Fund is introducing a new, modular approach for describing the programmes for which applicants are requesting funding.

What the Global Fund calls the “taxonomy” of the modular approach is explained in the following diagram taken from a near-final draft of the Concept Note Instructions for Early Applicants.

Diagram: Taxonomy of the new modular approach

In this instance, “taxonomy” refers to the elements of the new modular approach and their hierarchy.

The new modular approach will be used by early NFM applicants in the development of their concept notes. It will also be used by standard applicants when they submit concept notes under the full rollout of the NFM. The NFM materials released by the Global Fund do not indicate whether interim applicants will be asked to use the new modular approach.

Under the new approach, modules (also known as “programme areas”) replace the service delivery areas (SDAs) used in proposals under the rounds-based system.

For each programme area included in the concept note, applicants will be asked to identify interventions.

The Global Fund will provide a list of pre-defined programme areas and interventions, but applicants may also define their own. The pre-defined programme areas and interventions have been drawn from the investment guidance of major agencies including the World Health Organization and UNAIDS.

For each intervention, applicants will be asked to identify activities as well as high-level cost estimates corresponding to the activities.

Applicants will use a new modular template to describe the programme areas and related components. This template replaces the performance framework and the budget template used under the rounds-based system.

The Global Fund said that each programme area must be linked to impact, outcome and coverage indicators; and that each intervention must be linked to output indicators.

The Global Fund said that during the grant-making phase, applicants will develop a more detailed, costed logframe. The logframe will include, among other things, a detailed activity-based budget, the expected timing of activities and information on who will implement each activity.

NFM-related materials produced by the Global Fund are available on the Fund’s website here.