DHSC: GPH: Mothers Living with HIV Formula Milk Funding Scheme 2027

What the buyer says

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is undertaking preliminary market engagement to understand supplier interest, capability and capacity to deliver a service that ensures infants born to mothers living with HIV in England have timely access to formula milk and related sterilising equipment for up to 12 months from birth. This preliminary market engagement (and any resultant procurement) forms part of wider work by DHSC to implement actions in the HIV Action Plan for England, 2025 to 2030, specifically the commitment to fund formula milk and related sterilising equipment for the infants of women living with HIV. DHSC is seeking an outcome-focused service that: • Provides equitable access to formula milk and related sterilising equipment for eligible families, minimising inequalities in access and outcomes. • Operates in a manner that respects privacy, dignity and confidentiality. • Provides a seamless and reliable service for families and referring professionals. Current provision of formula milk support across England is variable. This inconsistent provision can create inequalities, particularly for families experiencing financial hardship, language barriers or difficulties accessing services. DHSC is seeking to establish a nationally funded service that enables eligible families to receive formula milk and related sterilising equipment from birth until the infant reaches 12 months of age. The service should: • Support equitable access across England, including for groups who may face additional barriers to engagement with services. • Support referrals from multiple settings, including HIV services, antenatal clinics, primary care and VCSE organisations. • Respect privacy, confidentiality and be sensitive to potential stigma/discrimination. • Implement appr…