Continuing to Enhance Global Health Security: Sustain Efforts and Strategies to Protect and Improve Public Health Globally

The “Continuing to Enhance Global Health Security: Sustain Efforts and Strategies to Protect and Improve Public Health Globally” grant, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to extend and deepen existing efforts to safeguard and improve public health on a global scale. This forecasted opportunity reflects the U.S. Government's ongoing commitment to building robust international health systems, informed by over a decade of global health security initiatives and shaped by critical lessons from recent global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) supports collaborative efforts between the CDC and international partners—particularly Ministries of Health and other government agencies—to bolster global capacity in detecting, preventing, and responding to health threats. Primary outcomes of this initiative include enhancing the prevention of avoidable epidemics (including both natural and accidental/intentional releases of hazardous pathogens), improving the ability to detect biological threats early, and strengthening responses to international health emergencies. The goal is to foster faster and more effective responses to public health threats that transcend national borders. The cooperative agreement mechanism underscores the funder's active role in guiding project implementation. Although full application requirements have not yet been published, the grant is forecasted to open for applications on March 2, 2026, with a deadline of May 3, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be announced by August 31, 2026, with projects beginning on or around September 30, 2026. This funding cycle reflects the CDC's strategic approach to long-term global engagement, strengthening systems for the prevention and management of health threats. The total expected program funding is approximately $75 million, with an anticipated eight awards. Specific award ceilings and floors are not currently provided in the forecast. The CDC has not stated a requirement for cost-sharing or matching contributions, simplifying access for a wide range of entities. Eligible applicants span an inclusive range of government, nonprofit, academic, and for-profit institutions, including small businesses, tribal entities (both federally recognized and others), housing authorities, and educational institutions. The program anticipates continuing cycles and will likely be recurring. It reflects a broader U.S. policy commitment to global health and biosecurity, leveraging data, technology, and partnerships to counter emerging and re-emerging threats. Given its scale and the strategic nature of its aims, the grant is poised to impact public health infrastructure, readiness, and response on a global level. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate capacity in cross-border health programs, data systems, outbreak response, and governmental coordination. The primary point of contact listed for this opportunity is Broderick Yoerg, reachable at 404-234-0666 or via email at [email protected]. No pre-application submission such as a letter of intent is currently required, but applicants are encouraged to monitor updates, as this is still a forecasted opportunity and details may change. Interested applicants should begin preparing their strategic frameworks and partnerships ahead of the projected release date.