Strengthening and Development of Sustainable Regional Public Health and Epidemiological Workforce Capacity through Collaboration, Program Development, and Implementation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its Global Health Center (GHC), has released a forecasted opportunity titled Strengthening and Development of Sustainable Regional Public Health and Epidemiological Workforce Capacity through Collaboration, Program Development, and Implementation. The program is announced under opportunity number CDC-RFA-JG-26-0108 and is anticipated to open in November 2025. The opportunity is part of the assistance listings under 93.318, Protecting and Improving Health Globally: Building and Strengthening Public Health Impact, Systems, Capacity and Security. It will be issued as a cooperative agreement, reflecting the significant involvement of CDC in both planning and implementation. The program’s purpose is to strengthen public health workforce development at both regional and country levels in order to improve the ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats. This includes addressing global health priorities and outbreak response capacity. The focus is on strengthening epidemiologic workforce capacity and program development. Particular emphasis is given to Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP), which are considered vital for workforce readiness to detect and respond to disease outbreaks. The program will also support identification and development of other complementary workforce programs. Awardees will be expected to work closely with Ministries of Health and other public health institutions at the regional and country levels. They will collaborate with CDC and other global and regional partners to assess workforce needs, fill gaps, and strengthen existing training and response programs. Activities may include training, conferences, meetings, standard setting, monitoring and evaluation, and strengthening communication and networking channels across public health workforce initiatives. The estimated total program funding is $75,000,000. While the notice indicates an award ceiling and award floor of $0, this appears to be a placeholder and should be confirmed upon release of the final notice. The CDC anticipates making up to three awards under this opportunity. Cost sharing or matching is not required for participation. The estimated award date is August 31, 2026, with projects expected to start on September 30, 2026. Eligibility is broad and includes state, local, and tribal governments, institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without IRS 501(c)(3) status, independent school districts, public housing authorities, for profit organizations other than small businesses, small businesses, and special district governments. In addition, Native American tribal organizations and federally recognized tribal governments are explicitly included. The program is nationwide and not geographically restricted. The estimated application due date is January 2, 2026, with applications due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on that date. The forecast was last updated on August 22, 2025, and indicates an estimated post date of November 3, 2025. As a forecast, details may change when the final notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is released. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the opportunity for updates and clarifications. For further information, interested applicants may contact the CDC point of contact, Broderick Yoerg, at 404-234-0666 or via email at DGHPNOFOs@cdc.gov. Additional documents and application details will be made available through Grants.gov upon posting of the full NOFO.