EU Horizon Europe Call: Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation of Public Health Interventions in Resource-Limited Settings

The EU Horizon Europe Call 'Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation of Public Health Interventions in Resource-Limited Settings' (HORIZON-HLTH-2026-ME-01) is a landmark opportunity for organizations dedicated to advancing evidence-based public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The call aims to address persistent weaknesses in M&E systems that hinder effective decision-making and resource allocation. Despite significant investments in global health, many LMICs lack the infrastructure, human capacity, and political support to collect, analyze, and use high-quality health data. This call seeks to address these gaps by funding projects that develop, pilot, and scale innovative M&E approaches. The European Commission expects proposals to be grounded in solid theory of change, with a focus on strengthening local ownership and creating interoperable data systems that can integrate with national health information systems. The call is part of Horizon Europe's Cluster 1 (Health) under the destination 'Better Health and Care, Economic Growth and Sustainable Health Systems'. It has a total indicative budget of €30 million, with typical project grants between €2-5 million for a duration of 36-48 months. Consortia must include at least three partners from three different EU member states or associated countries, and at least one partner from an LMIC. The deadline is September 1, 2026, with a moderate urgency that allows for careful consortium building and proposal development. GSLI's training courses, especially in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Public Health & Epidemiology, are directly aligned with the technical requirements of this call. By incorporating GSLI training into the project design, applicants can demonstrate a commitment to capacity building and sustainability. Furthermore, GSLI's courses in Project Management for Development and Financial Management for NGOs ensure that consortia have the managerial skills to execute successfully. Given the complexity of Horizon Europe proposals, early engagement with GSLI's proposal writing experts can significantly improve the quality and competitiveness of submissions. In summary, this call represents a strategic investment in the foundational systems that underpin effective public health action. Organizations that can demonstrate technical expertise, local partnerships, and a clear path to sustainability will be well-positioned to secure funding. GSLI stands ready to support applicants through every stage, from capacity needs assessment to post-award compliance, ensuring that projects achieve their intended impact and contribute to global health goals.

Strategic Overview

The EU Horizon Europe Call 'Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation of Public Health Interventions in Resource-Limited Settings' (HORIZON-HLTH-2026-ME-01) is a landmark opportunity for organizations dedicated to advancing evidence-based public health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The call aims to address persistent weaknesses in M&E systems that hinder effective decision-making and resource allocation. Despite significant investments in global health, many LMICs lack the infrastructure, human capacity, and political support to collect, analyze, and use high-quality health data. This call seeks to address these gaps by funding projects that develop, pilot, and scale innovative M&E approaches. The European Commission expects proposals to be grounded in solid theory of change, with a focus on strengthening local ownership and creating interoperable data systems that can integrate with national health information systems. The call is part of Horizon Europe's Cluster 1 (Health) under the destination 'Better Health and Care, Economic Growth and Sustainable Health Systems'. It has a total indicative budget of €30 million, with typical project grants between €2-5 million for a duration of 36-48 months. Consortia must include at least three partners from three different EU member states or associated countries, and at least one partner from an LMIC. The deadline is September 1, 2026, with a moderate urgency that allows for careful consortium building and proposal development. GSLI's training courses, especially in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Public Health & Epidemiology, are directly aligned with the technical requirements of this call. By incorporating GSLI training into the project design, applicants can demonstrate a commitment to capacity building and sustainability. Furthermore, GSLI's courses in Project Management for Development and Financial Management for NGOs ensure that consortia have the managerial skills to execute successfully. Given the complexity of Horizon Europe proposals, early engagement with GSLI's proposal writing experts can significantly improve the quality and competitiveness of submissions. In summary, this call represents a strategic investment in the foundational systems that underpin effective public health action. Organizations that can demonstrate technical expertise, local partnerships, and a clear path to sustainability will be well-positioned to secure funding. GSLI stands ready to support applicants through every stage, from capacity needs assessment to post-award compliance, ensuring that projects achieve their intended impact and contribute to global health goals.

Who is it For?

This call is designed for a diverse range of entities operating in resource-limited settings, including but not limited to: public health institutes, universities and research centers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) specializing in health data analytics or digital health. Eligible consortia must include partners from at least three EU member states or associated countries, with a strong emphasis on including organizations from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as co-beneficiaries. The call particularly encourages the participation of local health authorities and community-based organizations to ensure contextual relevance and sustainability. Applicants should demonstrate experience in implementing M&E frameworks for public health programs, such as infectious disease control, maternal and child health, or non-communicable disease management. Ideal consortia will combine technical expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, and data science with on-the-ground operational capacity in target regions. The European Commission expects applicants to have a clear institutional mandate for public health improvement and a track record of ethical research practices. Furthermore, applicants must comply with the Horizon Europe eligibility criteria, including the 'three partners rule' and the 'associated countries' criteria. GSLI's courses in 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' and 'Public Health & Epidemiology' are especially relevant for strengthening the expertise of project teams, ensuring that consortium members are well-versed in the latest M&E methodologies and public health frameworks.

Priorities

The European Commission's priorities for this call are deeply rooted in the EU's Global Health Strategy and the European Research Area's commitment to health innovation. Key investment KPIs include: (1) measurable improvements in the quality, timeliness, and use of health data for decision-making; (2) enhanced M&E capacity at national and sub-national levels, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings; (3) adoption of digital M&E tools, including mobile health (mHealth) platforms and interoperable health information systems; (4) strengthened community engagement mechanisms to ensure M&E frameworks reflect local needs; and (5) increased sustainability of M&E systems through co-funding and institutional integration. The donor prioritizes projects that demonstrate scalability, cost-effectiveness, and potential for cross-border learning. Proposals should align with the 'One Health' approach and address health emergencies preparedness. Additionally, the Commission emphasizes gender-disaggregated data and equity-focused analysis, requiring applicants to articulate how their M&E framework will capture disparities and inform targeted interventions. Environmental sustainability is also a cross-cutting priority, with expectations for projects to adopt green procurement and low-carbon data collection methods. The call aims to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). GSLI's courses in 'Writing Winning Proposals' and 'Fundraising & Resource Mobilization' can help applicants align their project design with these priorities, ensuring that KPIs are clearly defined and measurable.

Eligibility

Eligibility for this Horizon Europe call is governed by strict financial, spatial, and corporate legal requirements. Financially, all beneficiaries must have a stable financial capacity, verified by audits or financial statements, with no outstanding debts to the EU. The EU contribution is typically up to 100% of direct costs plus a 25% flat rate for indirect costs. Minimum grant size is €1 million, with no upper limit but average projects around €3-5 million. Spatial eligibility requires consortia to include at least three independent legal entities from three different EU member states or associated countries. At least one partner must be established in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) as defined by the OECD DAC list. Entities from the same country cannot form the majority of the consortium. Corporate legal audit requirements include: (1) a valid participant identification code (PIC) from the EU Participant Portal; (2) documented legal status (e.g., articles of association, government registration); (3) evidence of previous experience in EU-funded projects or equivalent; and (4) a detailed control environment including financial management and procurement policies compliant with Horizon Europe rules. Applicants must also certify no conflict of interest with EU staff. Special provisions apply for international organizations and NGOs, which may need to demonstrate equivalent due diligence. The call excludes entities from countries under EU sanctions or those with restrictions on research cooperation. GSLI's courses in 'Grants Management' and 'Financial Management for NGOs' are essential for ensuring compliance with these rigorous financial and audit requirements, reducing the risk of ineligibility during the evaluation process.

Path to Success

To maximize success with this Horizon Europe call, applicants should follow a strategic roadmap integrating GSLI's capacity-building offerings. Step 1: Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and consortium building. Identify gaps in M&E capacity within target LMICs and assemble a multi-disciplinary consortium including local health authorities, research institutions, and technical partners. Utilize GSLI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' and 'Project Management for Development' courses to train key personnel in advanced M&E methodologies and project governance. Step 2: Develop a robust proposal framework aligned with EU priorities. Define clear objectives, measurable KPIs, and a theory of change that addresses the call's focus on strengthening monitoring and evaluation. Leverage GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' to craft compelling narratives and budget justifications. Ensure the proposal includes a detailed work package structure (typically 6-8 work packages) covering capacity building, piloting, scalability, and dissemination. Step 3: Implement a risk-aware management plan. The EU requires a risk mitigation plan covering operational, financial, and ethical risks. GSLI's 'Financial Management for NGOs' and 'Procurement & Supply Chain' courses provide the tools to establish robust internal controls, double-entry accounting, and transparent procurement processes. Step 4: Establish a sustainability and scalability strategy. Demonstrate how M&E frameworks will be integrated into national health systems post-project. Use GSLI's 'Fundraising & Resource Mobilization' to plan for co-funding from national governments or other donors. Throughout the process, engage with the European Commission's Horizon Europe portal for updates and use the Partner Search tool to find complementary partners. Finalize the proposal well before the deadline, incorporating feedback from peer reviewers. GSLI's courses can be deployed just-in-time to address specific capacity gaps identified during proposal development, ensuring the consortium meets the high standards of technical excellence and credibility required.

Recommended GSLI Courses

Deadline: 2026-09-01

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal