Enhancing Understanding of and Preparedness for Public Health Threats Through Research in Kenya

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is offering a cooperative agreement funding opportunity titled Enhancing Understanding of and Preparedness for Public Health Threats Through Research in Kenya. This initiative is administered through the CDC Global Health Center and is designed to strengthen global health security while protecting the United States from emerging and cross-border infectious disease threats. The CDC has a longstanding partnership with Kenya through the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), supporting surveillance systems, laboratory research, and clinical studies that inform both U.S. and global public health strategies. This funding opportunity builds on that foundation to expand research capacity and generate actionable scientific evidence. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to support research, implementation science, and public health evaluations that improve prevention and response to infectious diseases in Kenya. The program focuses on four required priority areas: influenza and other respiratory pathogens, vaccine-preventable diseases, drug-resistant infections, and global and emerging health threats such as malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, and schistosomiasis. Applicants must address all four priority areas, with each requiring specific research objectives and activities. In addition to scientific research, the awardee must also support research coordination, administration, and infrastructure strengthening at KEMRI to ensure compliance with U.S. government standards and enhance long-term institutional capacity. Funding is provided through a cooperative agreement mechanism, indicating substantial CDC involvement throughout the project period. The total estimated program funding is 30 million dollars, with one expected award. The period of performance is five years, structured in 12-month budget periods, with annual funding typically ranging between 3 million and 6 million dollars. While the minimum award amount per year is not specified, the ceiling is 6 million dollars annually. Funds may be used for research activities, staffing, travel, supplies, and other allowable program costs consistent with federal regulations. However, restrictions apply, including prohibitions on lobbying activities, pre-award costs, and certain capital expenditures without justification. Eligibility is broad and includes public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations, small businesses, and foreign organizations. A key requirement is that applicants demonstrate an established institutional presence in Kenya and a history of collaboration with KEMRI or the Kenya Ministry of Health. Applications must include detailed research plans for each priority area, a comprehensive management plan, and documentation supporting responsiveness criteria. Submissions must be made electronically through Grants.gov, and applicants must maintain active registrations in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. The application process includes an optional letter of intent due May 23, 2026, and a full application deadline of June 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applications undergo a two-level review process, beginning with external scientific peer review followed by internal federal review. Evaluation criteria include significance, investigators, innovation, approach, and environment, along with alignment to CDC priorities and program relevance. Final funding decisions also consider risk assessments and compliance with federal requirements. Key dates include an expected scientific review in July 2026, anticipated award issuance around September 1, 2026, and a project start date of September 30, 2026. The CDC will maintain ongoing involvement through quarterly meetings, technical assistance, and oversight responsibilities. Awardees must comply with reporting requirements, including annual performance and financial reports. For inquiries, applicants may contact Jaya Raman via email at kva5@cdc.gov. This opportunity represents a significant investment in global health research and capacity building, with implications for both local and international disease prevention and preparedness.

Ensure all four priority areas are fully addressed; demonstrate strong collaboration with KEMRI; align with CDC priorities and evidence-based practices; meet all responsiveness criteria to avoid disqualification