Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) 2026-2028 Allocation: Strengthening Community Systems and Resilient Health Supply Chains

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) is an international financing institution that mobilizes and invests over $4 billion annually to end the epidemics of HIV, TB, and malaria. For the 2026-2028 allocation cycle, known as NFM4, the Global Fund has committed an estimated $18 billion, with a strong emphasis on community systems and resilient health supply chains. This cycle introduces innovative financing approaches, including performance-based tranches and increased funding for community-led monitoring. Countries with high disease burdens, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, are the primary targets. The funding model requires countries to develop concept notes through multi-stakeholder Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs), which then submit funding requests. The deadline for concept note submissions is September 1, 2026, but CCMs must submit funding requests by June 1, 2026. This creates a tight timeline for organizations to build capacity and influence the design of the funding request. The Global Fund encourages local organizations, especially those representing key populations, to participate as sub-recipients. To maximize success, organizations should invest in training in public health, supply chain management, M&E, and financial management—areas where GSLI offers targeted short courses. This overview underscores the strategic importance of early preparation and capacity strengthening.

Strategic Overview

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) is an international financing institution that mobilizes and invests over $4 billion annually to end the epidemics of HIV, TB, and malaria. For the 2026-2028 allocation cycle, known as NFM4, the Global Fund has committed an estimated $18 billion, with a strong emphasis on community systems and resilient health supply chains. This cycle introduces innovative financing approaches, including performance-based tranches and increased funding for community-led monitoring. Countries with high disease burdens, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, are the primary targets. The funding model requires countries to develop concept notes through multi-stakeholder Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs), which then submit funding requests. The deadline for concept note submissions is September 1, 2026, but CCMs must submit funding requests by June 1, 2026. This creates a tight timeline for organizations to build capacity and influence the design of the funding request. The Global Fund encourages local organizations, especially those representing key populations, to participate as sub-recipients. To maximize success, organizations should invest in training in public health, supply chain management, M&E, and financial management—areas where GSLI offers targeted short courses. This overview underscores the strategic importance of early preparation and capacity strengthening.

Who is it For?

This allocation is primarily for Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs) which are multi-stakeholder partnerships that develop and submit funding requests on behalf of their countries. Eligible applicants include national governments, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, academic institutions, and private sector entities that are part of the CCM. Principal Recipients (PRs) are typically government ministries or large international NGOs, but Sub-Recipients (SRs) can include smaller local organizations. The Global Fund strongly encourages inclusion of key populations and people living with the diseases in the design and implementation of programs. Organizations must demonstrate capacity in financial management, procurement, and M&E. Local organizations with a track record of delivering health services at community level are especially encouraged to participate as SRs. The fund prioritizes countries with high disease burden and weak health systems, particularly in Africa and Asia. Eligibility also requires compliance with Global Fund’s policies on fiduciary controls, gender equality, and human rights.

Priorities

The Global Fund's 2026-2028 strategy emphasizes 'maximizing impact against the three diseases' while building resilient and sustainable systems for health. Key priorities include: (1) Strengthening community systems and community-led monitoring to ensure accountability and reach marginalized populations; (2) Building climate-resilient and sustainable supply chains for health commodities, including last-mile delivery; (3) Integrating services for HIV, TB, and malaria with primary health care and pandemic preparedness; (4) Scaling up digital health innovations including electronic logistics management information systems (eLMIS) and mobile health (mHealth) for adherence; (5) Enhancing data quality and use for decision-making through robust M&E systems. The Global Fund also prioritizes equity, gender equality, and human rights, requiring applicants to address barriers faced by key and vulnerable populations. All interventions must be evidence-based and aligned with national health strategies. Performance indicators focus on coverage of prevention, testing, and treatment services, as well as system strengthening metrics like stock-out rates and financial absorption capacity.

Eligibility

Eligibility is determined at country level based on disease burden and income status. Specific criteria include: (1) Countries must have an active CCM with balanced representation from government, civil society, private sector, and development partners; (2) Proposed interventions must align with the national strategic plan for HIV, TB, or malaria; (3) Organizations must comply with Global Fund’s policies on fiduciary management, including absence of corruption and conflict of interest; (4) Financial audits for the previous two years must be available and acceptable; (5) For SRs, proof of legal registration, financial management capacity, and technical expertise in the relevant disease area is required. The Global Fund also requires that at least 50% of funding for community systems strengthening be channeled through community-based organizations. Organizations with prior Global Fund grants must demonstrate satisfactory performance. New applicants may need to undergo a capacity assessment. There is no upper limit on budget, but funding is based on epidemiological needs and absorption capacity.

Path to Success

To succeed in securing funding through GFATM 2026-2028, partners should follow a strategic roadmap. Step 1: Strengthen institutional capacity by completing GSLI courses in Public Health & Epidemiology, Procurement & Supply Chain, and Financial Management for NGOs to meet funder requirements. Step 2: Engage proactively with the national CCM to influence the funding request design, ensuring community-led monitoring and supply chain resilience are prioritized. Step 3: Develop a robust M&E framework aligned with Global Fund performance indicators, using GSLI's Monitoring & Evaluation course to design data collection and reporting systems. Step 4: Submit a comprehensive concept note with clear budget justification, risk mitigation plan, and evidence of past performance. The GSLI course on Writing Winning Proposals can be instrumental in crafting a compelling narrative. Additionally, partners should invest in pre-award capacity assessments and establish strong relationships with Principal Recipients to secure sub-recipient roles.

Recommended GSLI Courses

Deadline: 2026-09-01

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal