EU Horizon Europe Call: Enhancing Monitoring and Evaluation Capabilities for Global Health Security in Partner Countries

The EU Horizon Europe call 'Enhancing Monitoring and Evaluation Capabilities for Global Health Security in Partner Countries' (Topic ID: HORIZON-GLOBAL-HEALTH-MEL-2026) is a strategic funding instrument designed to address critical weaknesses in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) infrastructures within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Launched under the Horizon Europe framework, this call acknowledges that robust M&E systems are fundamental to health security, enabling timely detection, response, and containment of public health emergencies, including emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and biological threats. The call is structured around the belief that strong M&E capabilities are not merely data collection exercises but are essential for evidence-based decision-making, resource allocation, and accountability. The total estimated budget for this call is €40 million, with projects ranging from €5 million to €15 million each, covering an implementation period of 36 to 48 months. The European Commission expects to fund 3 to 4 consortia that can demonstrate a clear theory of change linking M&E improvements to health security outcomes, with a strong focus on sustainability and local ownership. The call aligns closely with the EU Global Health Strategy (2022), the WHO's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HEPR) framework, and the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) monitoring and evaluation framework. It also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3.d (strengthen capacity for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks). The call explicitly requires proposals to address gender equity, human rights, and community engagement, ensuring that M&E frameworks are inclusive and capture the needs of vulnerable populations. Digital innovation is encouraged, such as mobile data collection tools, interoperable data platforms, and real-time dashboards. However, the Commissioner stresses ethical data handling and compliance with GDPR and local data protection regulations. The call requires consortia to allocate at least 20% of the budget to capacity building and training activities, which presents a prime opportunity for GSLI to offer its suite of specialized short courses. GSLI's courses in M&E, public health, project management, and grants management can be integrated into the project's training component, ensuring high-quality deliverables and long-term sustainability. The deadline for submission is October 1, 2026, giving applicants time to form partnerships and co-design robust proposals.

Strategic Overview

The EU Horizon Europe call 'Enhancing Monitoring and Evaluation Capabilities for Global Health Security in Partner Countries' (Topic ID: HORIZON-GLOBAL-HEALTH-MEL-2026) is a strategic funding instrument designed to address critical weaknesses in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) infrastructures within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Launched under the Horizon Europe framework, this call acknowledges that robust M&E systems are fundamental to health security, enabling timely detection, response, and containment of public health emergencies, including emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and biological threats. The call is structured around the belief that strong M&E capabilities are not merely data collection exercises but are essential for evidence-based decision-making, resource allocation, and accountability. The total estimated budget for this call is €40 million, with projects ranging from €5 million to €15 million each, covering an implementation period of 36 to 48 months. The European Commission expects to fund 3 to 4 consortia that can demonstrate a clear theory of change linking M&E improvements to health security outcomes, with a strong focus on sustainability and local ownership. The call aligns closely with the EU Global Health Strategy (2022), the WHO's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HEPR) framework, and the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) monitoring and evaluation framework. It also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3.d (strengthen capacity for early warning, risk reduction, and management of national and global health risks). The call explicitly requires proposals to address gender equity, human rights, and community engagement, ensuring that M&E frameworks are inclusive and capture the needs of vulnerable populations. Digital innovation is encouraged, such as mobile data collection tools, interoperable data platforms, and real-time dashboards. However, the Commissioner stresses ethical data handling and compliance with GDPR and local data protection regulations. The call requires consortia to allocate at least 20% of the budget to capacity building and training activities, which presents a prime opportunity for GSLI to offer its suite of specialized short courses. GSLI's courses in M&E, public health, project management, and grants management can be integrated into the project's training component, ensuring high-quality deliverables and long-term sustainability. The deadline for submission is October 1, 2026, giving applicants time to form partnerships and co-design robust proposals.

Who is it For?

This call is targeted at a diverse range of actors committed to enhancing global health security through improved monitoring and evaluation (M&E) capacities in partner countries. Eligible applicants include legal entities established in EU member states, associated countries (e.g., Norway, Switzerland, Israel, and UK), and partner countries, specifically low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Consortia must include at least one entity from an EU member state and one from a partner country; however, partnerships with international organizations (e.g., WHO, UNICEF, World Bank) are strongly encouraged but not mandatory. The ideal applicants are research institutions (universities, think tanks) with expertise in health systems, M&E methodologies, and operational research; public health agencies and ministries of health from partner countries that can provide contextual knowledge and ensure policy relevance; non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with experience in community-based M&E, capacity building, and field implementation; and international organizations that can offer technical oversight and help scale up best practices. Private sector entities, such as data analytics companies and technology providers, are also eligible if they contribute to the development of digital M&E tools or interoperable data platforms. Importantly, the call encourages regional networks and consortia that can facilitate cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing. The selection process will prioritize consortia that demonstrate strong local ownership and active engagement of public health authorities, ensuring that M&E improvements are embedded within national systems. Proposals should clearly outline the roles of each partner, governance structure, and mechanisms for stakeholder involvement, including communities and civil society organizations.

Priorities

The EU Horizon Europe call prioritizes several interconnected global health security goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). First and foremost, it aims to strengthen the M&E capabilities of partner countries' national health systems to enable timely detection, verification, and response to health threats. Specific priorities include enhancing the quality, completeness, and timeliness of health data through the adoption of digital technologies (e.g., mobile data collection, remote sensing) and interoperable data platforms that integrate with existing surveillance systems. Another priority is building human capital by training local M&E professionals, data analysts, and policymakers in advanced statistical methods, data visualization, and evidence-based decision-making. The call expects consortia to develop standardized M&E frameworks that incorporate the IHR (2005) monitoring and evaluation framework, the WHO's Joint External Evaluation (JEE) tool, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators (specifically SDG 3.d on health emergency preparedness). Expected KPIs include a 20% improvement in the completeness of outbreak reporting within three years, a 15% reduction in the time from data collection to dissemination, and a 30% increase in the number of health workers trained in M&E. Additionally, the donor prioritizes gender-disaggregated data and equity-focused analysis to ensure that interventions address the needs of vulnerable populations. Financial KPIs mandate that at least 20% of the budget be allocated to capacity building and training activities, and that an independent external evaluation be conducted mid-term and at project end. The call also emphasizes sustainability; proposals must include a plan for transitioning M&E responsibilities to local institutions and securing co-financing from national governments or other donors by project year three.

Eligibility

Eligibility for this call is governed by the Horizon Europe Framework Programme rules, with specific conditions for this global health topic. Consortia must consist of at least three independent legal entities, each established in a different country, of which at least one must be from an EU member state (including overseas countries and territories) and at least one from an eligible partner country (OECD DAC list of ODA recipients). Legal entities may be public bodies, private for-profit entities, international organizations, or NGOs. However, the European Commission imposes a 'double eligibility' check: each entity must be eligible under Horizon Europe rules (e.g., no conflict of interest, not under EU restrictive measures) and must possess financial and operational capacity. For partner countries, special attention is given to entities with a legal personality and a proven track record in health research or M&E. Financially, the call requires that all partners have a stable funding base; applicants must submit audited financial statements for the last two fiscal years. A minimum co-financing rate of 10% is mandatory for EU partners, while partner country entities are fully funded (100% reimbursement) but must demonstrate in-kind contributions (e.g., staff time, office space). The total requested EU contribution per proposal must be between €5 million and €15 million, with a project duration of 36 to 48 months. Spatial eligibility extends to all low- and middle-income countries, but proposals focusing on regions with the highest IHR capacity gaps (e.g., Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia) will be given priority. Corporate governance requirements include a signed consortium agreement addressing IPR, decision-making, and dispute resolution within six months of the grant signature. Additionally, the call mandates that ethical approvals be obtained from relevant national committees for any research involving human subjects or data collection. Lastly, all proposals must be submitted in English via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, and any significant deviation from the call's scope (e.g., focusing solely on disease-specific M&E without a broader health systems perspective) will result in an immediate rejection.

Path to Success

To maximize the chance of a successful bid under this Horizon Europe call, GSLI recommends a strategic, step-by-step roadmap that integrates its training and capacity-building expertise. Step 1: Assemble a Strong Consortium and Perform Needs Assessment. Begin by identifying and contacting potential partners from EU member states and LMICs with complementary expertise in global health security, M&E, and digital health. Leverage GSLI's professional network to connect with research institutions, ministries of health, and NGOs. Concurrently, conduct a rapid needs assessment using GSLI's Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) course framework to map existing M&E capabilities, gaps, and training needs in target partner countries. This assessment will form the basis for a detailed capacity-building plan. Step 2: Co-Develop a Theory of Change and Robust M&E Framework. With your consortium, design a theory of change that links M&E capacity strengthening to improved health security outcomes. Use GSLI's 'Project Management for Development' and 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' courses to ensure the logical framework aligns with EU expectations. Develop SMART indicators, a data management plan, and a participatory M&E methodology. GSLI's course on 'Writing Winning Proposals' can assist in articulating the M&E narrative convincingly. Step 3: Emphasize Training and Knowledge Transfer. The EU call places high importance on capacity building. Propose a comprehensive training program based on GSLI’s short courses such as 'Public Health & Epidemiology' for data collection, 'Financial Management for NGOs' for budget tracking, and 'Procurement & Supply Chain Management' for integrating M&E with supply chain data. Incorporate train-the-trainer models and e-learning modules to ensure sustainability. Allocate at least 20% of the budget to training, and specify how GSLI courses (online or blended) will be delivered. Step 4: Strengthen Sustainability and Local Ownership. In your proposal, dedicate a section to transition and exit strategy. Partner with local universities and training institutes to accredit GSLI courses, ensuring long-term availability. Establish a community of practice for M&E professionals, facilitated by GSLI's 'Fundraising & Resource Mobilization' course to help local entities seek future funding. Finally, ensure that your proposal includes a pilot phase where GSLI's 'Grants Management' course is used to train local administrators in reporting and compliance. By following these steps, you will not only meet the call's requirements but also demonstrate the added value of GSLI's training expertise.

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Deadline: 2026-10-01

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal