Enhancing Global Health Security: Expanding Efforts and Strategies to Protect and Improve Public Health in Bangladesh

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Global Health Center, has released a forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for fiscal year 2026 titled "Enhancing Global Health Security: Expanding Efforts and Strategies to Protect and Improve Public Health in Bangladesh." This cooperative agreement is designed to build upon CDC’s long-standing work in advancing global health security in Bangladesh, a key partner country for U.S. engagement in infectious disease prevention and response. The announcement signals the federal government’s commitment to supporting international collaboration in addressing emerging biological threats, intentional or accidental releases of dangerous pathogens, and other epidemic risks. The purpose of this program is to expand and sustain prevention, detection, and response capacities in Bangladesh. It focuses on three main objectives: improving prevention of avoidable epidemics, strengthening early detection of health threats, and enhancing the ability to rapidly and effectively respond to infectious disease outbreaks and other international public health emergencies. Activities funded under this NOFO will align with the broader Global Health Security Agenda, working with the Ministry of Health and other governmental institutions in Bangladesh to strengthen public health systems, surveillance, and outbreak response capabilities. The funding scope covers a range of programmatic activities centered on health system strengthening. Although specific spending rules are not detailed in the forecast, cooperative agreements typically support technical assistance, training, laboratory strengthening, and coordinated response mechanisms. The program emphasizes international collaboration and capacity building, ensuring that U.S. government resources are used to protect both global and domestic populations from transboundary health threats. The total estimated funding for this opportunity is $20,000,000, with approximately five awards expected. Award amounts for individual recipients have not yet been specified, and the ceiling and floor figures are listed as zero, which reflects incomplete forecast data rather than actual funding limits. Eligibility for this program is broad and inclusive. It extends to state, county, city, and township governments, special district governments, Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), tribal organizations, independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, for-profit organizations, and other entities. This wide eligibility range reflects the program’s intent to attract applicants with diverse expertise and operational capacity. The notice does not indicate any cost-sharing or matching requirement, making it more accessible for potential applicants. The anticipated timeline begins with a forecast posting date of November 3, 2025. Applications will be due January 2, 2026, no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to be announced by August 31, 2026, with funded projects beginning September 30, 2026. The forecast also lists an archive date of February 1, 2026, which means all application materials must be submitted by the due date for consideration. No pre-application deadlines, letters of intent, or concept paper requirements are specified in the forecast notice. The opportunity is currently in forecast status, meaning the official funding announcement with complete application instructions will be released closer to the estimated post date. At this stage, applicants should review the eligibility criteria, begin internal preparations, and monitor Grants.gov for updates. The primary point of contact for this program is Broderick Yoerg, who can be reached at DGHPNOFOs@cdc.gov or by phone at 404-234-0666 for inquiries regarding program details and requirements.