Preventing global health threats by strengthening surveillance systems to accelerate outbreak detection, notification, and response

The funding opportunity titled Preventing global health threats by strengthening surveillance systems to accelerate outbreak detection, notification, and response is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through its Global Health Center and Division of Global Health Protection. This program is designed to strengthen global health security by supporting surveillance systems that improve early detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks. The CDC’s broader mission is to protect Americans by addressing global health threats at their source, and this opportunity builds on prior initiatives focused on strengthening international public health infrastructure and surveillance capacity. The primary purpose of this cooperative agreement is to enhance global public health surveillance systems across multiple regions of the world. The program focuses on three strategic areas: strengthening early warning surveillance systems, developing interoperable electronic tools and data systems, and improving the use of surveillance data for actionable public health responses. The initiative aims to improve the timeliness, quality, and interoperability of surveillance data, thereby accelerating outbreak detection and response capabilities. It emphasizes integration across systems such as event based and indicator based surveillance, as well as coordination with laboratory networks and other sectors including environmental and animal health. Funding under this opportunity is structured through a component-based model. Applicants must submit proposals covering three components: core global health security activities, and two emergency response components for small and large scale outbreaks. While all components must be proposed, only the core component is expected to be funded initially, with additional components activated as funding becomes available. The total expected funding for the first year is three million dollars, with one to two awards anticipated. Each award may span five years, consisting of five twelve month budget periods, contingent on funding availability and performance. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes a wide range of domestic and international entities such as state and local governments, higher education institutions, nonprofits, for profit organizations, and foreign entities. Applicants must implement projects in specified regions including parts of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, although proposals may include additional countries if aligned with program goals. Applications must not propose research activities and must adhere to strict formatting, submission, and budget requirements. Cost sharing is not required for this program. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several components such as a project narrative, budget narrative, and supporting documentation including organizational capacity and experience statements. Applicants must also prepare a work plan and evaluation and performance measurement plan outlining how program outcomes will be achieved and assessed. The review process involves an initial responsiveness screening followed by a merit review based on criteria including background and approach, evaluation plan, and organizational capacity. Applications are due by July 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time, and applicants are expected to be notified of their status by the end of August 2026. Awards are anticipated to begin on September 30, 2026. The program is not explicitly stated as recurring but builds upon previous CDC funding cycles in global health security. Successful applicants will enter into a cooperative agreement with substantial CDC involvement, including technical assistance, monitoring, and evaluation support throughout the project period.

Ensure strong evidence-based strategy and clearly demonstrate coordination across multiple countries and stakeholders; align activities with CDC priorities and measurable outcomes