Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria: Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) 2026-2028

The Global Fund's Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) 2026-2028 funding window represents a landmark opportunity for nations to rebuild and reinforce their health systems in the aftermath of global health crises. This initiative is not merely about repairing infrastructure but fundamentally transforming health systems to be more inclusive, responsive, and capable of meeting the triple burden of HIV, TB, and malaria while also preparing for future pandemics. With a total funding envelope likely exceeding $1.5 billion, RSSH targets six critical pillars: health workforce, health information systems, supply chains, governance and financing, laboratory systems, and community systems. The deadline of August 31, 2026, is non-negotiable, and given the required stakeholder consultations and data gathering, organizations must initiate work immediately. The call's urgency stems from the Global Fund's strategic review showing that many recipient countries have underinvested in health system foundations, leading to inefficiencies and vulnerability. RSSH aims to correct this by requiring integrated proposals that link system investments directly to disease outcomes. For example, a supply chain intervention must show how it reduces TB treatment default rates. Moreover, the program emphasizes sustainability: proposals must include a plan for domestic resource mobilization, ensuring that after the grant, the system persists. This aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships). Eligibility is broad but demanding: organizations must demonstrate financial probity, technical expertise, and community trust. The proposal development process is rigorous, involving a concept note, full proposal, and myriad annexes. The Global Fund uses a performance-based funding model, so even after approval, funds are released based on verified results. This is where GSLI's capacity building becomes invaluable. Our courses prepare teams to design results frameworks, set baselines, and report accurately. Furthermore, RSSH encourages innovation: for instance, using mobile money to incentivize health workers in remote areas. GSLI's "Fundraising & Resource Mobilization" course can help craft budgets that include innovation costs. In summary, the RSSH call is a high-stakes, high-reward opportunity. Organizations that approach it with strategic planning, strong partnerships, and robust internal systems—bolstered by GSLI training—will stand out. The Global Fund expects to fund approximately 50-70 grants worldwide, so competition is intense. Every aspect of the proposal must be flawless; cut corners will be penalized. This dossier provides a comprehensive guide to navigate the process successfully.

Strategic Overview

The Global Fund's Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) 2026-2028 funding window represents a landmark opportunity for nations to rebuild and reinforce their health systems in the aftermath of global health crises. This initiative is not merely about repairing infrastructure but fundamentally transforming health systems to be more inclusive, responsive, and capable of meeting the triple burden of HIV, TB, and malaria while also preparing for future pandemics. With a total funding envelope likely exceeding $1.5 billion, RSSH targets six critical pillars: health workforce, health information systems, supply chains, governance and financing, laboratory systems, and community systems. The deadline of August 31, 2026, is non-negotiable, and given the required stakeholder consultations and data gathering, organizations must initiate work immediately. The call's urgency stems from the Global Fund's strategic review showing that many recipient countries have underinvested in health system foundations, leading to inefficiencies and vulnerability. RSSH aims to correct this by requiring integrated proposals that link system investments directly to disease outcomes. For example, a supply chain intervention must show how it reduces TB treatment default rates. Moreover, the program emphasizes sustainability: proposals must include a plan for domestic resource mobilization, ensuring that after the grant, the system persists. This aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships). Eligibility is broad but demanding: organizations must demonstrate financial probity, technical expertise, and community trust. The proposal development process is rigorous, involving a concept note, full proposal, and myriad annexes. The Global Fund uses a performance-based funding model, so even after approval, funds are released based on verified results. This is where GSLI's capacity building becomes invaluable. Our courses prepare teams to design results frameworks, set baselines, and report accurately. Furthermore, RSSH encourages innovation: for instance, using mobile money to incentivize health workers in remote areas. GSLI's "Fundraising & Resource Mobilization" course can help craft budgets that include innovation costs. In summary, the RSSH call is a high-stakes, high-reward opportunity. Organizations that approach it with strategic planning, strong partnerships, and robust internal systems—bolstered by GSLI training—will stand out. The Global Fund expects to fund approximately 50-70 grants worldwide, so competition is intense. Every aspect of the proposal must be flawless; cut corners will be penalized. This dossier provides a comprehensive guide to navigate the process successfully.

Who is it For?

Eligible applicants for the RSSH 2026-2028 funding include national governments (primarily ministries of health), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multilateral organizations, and private sector entities operating in low- and middle-income countries. The Global Fund strongly encourages country-led proposals, meaning the principal recipient (PR) must be a domestic entity. However, international organizations can serve as sub-recipients. Key eligibility criteria: (1) country must be eligible for Global Fund support (based on income level and disease burden); (2) proposal must address RSSH priorities within the country's national health strategy; (3) applicant must demonstrate financial and management capacity through a rigorous pre-qualification process. Special emphasis is placed on fragile and conflict-affected states, where health systems are weakest. Additionally, the Global Fund prioritizes interventions that reach key and vulnerable populations, including women, children, adolescents, and marginalized communities. For-profit entities are eligible only if they are non-profit distributing. Applicants should have experience in health systems strengthening, with proven track record in managing large-scale grants. The Global Fund also requires applicants to have robust governance structures, transparent financial management, and an independent audit system. In summary, the typical applicant is a government entity or a large international NGO with deep local roots, capable of managing multi-million dollar grants and coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

Priorities

The Global Fund's RSSH priorities for 2026-2028 are structured around building resilient health systems that can deliver integrated, people-centered care. The top investment KPIs include: (1) reduction in disease-specific mortality and morbidity (e.g., 30% decrease in TB deaths per 100,000 population); (2) increased service coverage (e.g., 80% of HIV-positive pregnant women receiving antiretroviral therapy); (3) improved health workforce density (e.g., 4.5 doctors, nurses, and midwives per 1,000 people); (4) functional health information systems (e.g., 90% of districts reporting complete surveillance data); (5) sustainable financing (e.g., increase in domestic health expenditure by 0.5% of GDP). Specific strategic thrusts include: strengthening community systems to ensure services reach the last mile; integrating disease-specific programs with primary health care; enhancing preparedness for epidemics and pandemics; and promoting gender equality and human rights in health. The Global Fund also prioritizes innovation in supply chains, using data for decision-making, and building capacity for monitoring and evaluation. Alignment with national health plans is mandatory; proposals that duplicate existing efforts are discouraged. Furthermore, the Global Fund expects applicants to commit to co-financing, demonstrating domestic resource mobilization. Environmental sustainability is emerging as a cross-cutting theme—e.g., reducing waste from health products. Thus, proposals should address these KPIs with clear baselines, targets, and timelines.

Eligibility

Comprehensive eligibility criteria for RSSH 2026-2028: (1) Financial Audit: Applicants must provide audited financial statements for the last three fiscal years, with no material weaknesses. The organization must have a functioning internal control system and an external auditor approved by the Global Fund. (2) Spatial Audit: The proposed activities must occur in eligible countries (list published on Global Fund website). Activities must be geographically defined, with clear targets for regions/districts. (3) Corporate Legal Audit: The applicant must be legally registered in the country of operation, with a clear governance structure (board of directors, executive management). They must have a policy against corruption and fraud. (4) Technical Audit: Demonstrated experience in health systems strengthening, with at least two similar projects completed in the past five years. The technical team must include experts in public health, supply chain, M&E, and finance. (5) Compliance with Global Fund policies: including the Code of Conduct for Recipients, Policy on Conflicts of Interest, and the Global Fund's Gender Equality Strategy. Additionally, applicants must not be on any sanctions list (e.g., UN, US, EU). (6) Registration as NGO or government entity: For-profit entities must prove non-profit distribution. (7) The applicant must have a track record of community engagement and human rights compliance. (8) Submission of a concept note and full proposal by the deadline. In summary, eligibility is multi-faceted and requires preparation; many applicants fail due to incomplete financial documentation or lack of technical capacity. Thus, GSLI courses in Financial Management for NGOs and Grants Management are highly recommended.

Path to Success

To secure RSSH funding and integrate GSLI training for maximum impact, follow this strategic roadmap: **Step 1: Strategic Alignment and Capacity Assessment (Months 1-3)** - Conduct a gap analysis of your organization's capacity against Global Fund requirements. Use GSLI's "Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)" course to design robust M&E frameworks that align with RSSH KPIs. Also, enroll in "Financial Management for NGOs" to strengthen financial controls. During this phase, identify key government stakeholders and align your proposal with the national health strategy. Establish a steering committee with representatives from the Ministry of Health, civil society, and private sector. Develop a theory of change that links RSSH investments to disease reduction and pandemic preparedness. This phase ends with a readiness assessment report. **Step 2: Proposal Development and Training Integration (Months 3-6)** - Develop the concept note and full proposal. Leverage GSLI's "Writing Winning Proposals" course to craft compelling narratives. Specifically, use RSSH priorities to frame your interventions. For example, if you propose a supply chain improvement, reference GSLI's "Procurement & Supply Chain" course to demonstrate capacity. Engage technical experts for detailed budgets and work plans. Ensure gender and human rights are mainstreamed. During this phase, train core staff using GSLI's "Public Health & Epidemiology" course to strengthen epidemiological justification. Also, consider "Project Management for Development" to ensure implementation readiness. The output is a completed proposal with all annexes. **Step 3: Partnerships and Endorsement (Months 4-7)** - Forge partnerships with local civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and international technical partners to show collaboration. Secure a letter of endorsement from the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) and Ministry of Health. Use GSLI's "Fundraising & Resource Mobilization" course to articulate co-financing commitments from domestic sources. Also, ensure that your proposal includes a clear plan for sustainability post-Global Fund. This phase culminates in the submission of a fully endorsed proposal. **Step 4: Post-Submission Capacity Building (Months 7-10)** - While awaiting the grant decision, continue training staff using GSLI courses. Specifically, "Grants Management" prepares your team for compliance and reporting. Also, "WASH" course can be cross-sold if your RSSH proposal includes water and sanitation components (e.g., in facilities). Develop detailed implementation manuals, procurement plans, and M&E dashboards. By the time the grant is awarded, your organization will be fully prepared to start activities immediately. This proactive approach reduces start-up delays, a common issue in Global Fund grants.

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Deadline: 2026-08-31

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal