RFP for Community-Driven Gender-Affirming Healthcare Models in New Zealand

This request for proposal (RFP) is an invitation to organisations to submit a proposal for, �Improving Access to Gender-Affirming Care: Community Driven Models of Care� (Community Driven Models of Care). This RFP is an open competitive single-step procurement process. We are looking for a minimum of two providers.

Te Whatu Ora, working in partnership with Te Aka Whai Ora, is seeking proposals to establish and deliver models of healthcare tailored to the needs of transgender and non-binary people, within primary care and community health providers for four years. We are seeking proposals for how funding will be utilised to support the delivery of care that supports the needs of local transgender and non-binary populations.

Across multiple determinants of health, trans and non-binary people experience poorer health outcomes than the general population. Trans and non-binary identities intersect with every minority population group that experience inequities including Maori, Pacific, and whaikaha (disabled) peoples, further compounding health inequities.

Across New Zealand there are several examples of primary and community health providers delivering gender-affirming services within existing general practice/community health clinics. Recent research into the efficacy of these models of care found that models based in primary care are likely to increase accessibility, de-pathologise gender diversity, and reduce waiting times.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the change in how healthcare is provided to transgender and non-binary communities and support improved health outcomes for transgender and non-binary people.