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

The Global Fund's Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) Grant 2026-2028 is a critical financial mechanism designed to address the systemic weaknesses that hinder effective responses to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. Despite significant progress over the past two decades, health systems in many low- and lower-middle-income countries remain fragile. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed these vulnerabilities, prompting the Global Fund to increase its emphasis on RSSH as a core strategic objective. This grant cycle, with a total allocation of approximately $1.2 billion, targets the health system building blocks: service delivery, health workforce, health information systems, access to essential medicines, financing, and leadership/governance. The grant period runs from 2026 to 2028, but the concept note deadline is July 15, 2026, meaning applicants only have a few months to prepare. The urgency is high given the complex requirements for needs assessments, stakeholder engagement, and robust planning. The Global Fund expects applicants to build on previous investments and demonstrate a clear trajectory towards sustainability. This includes integrating RSSH activities with disease-specific programs to ensure that health system improvements directly translate into better outcomes for AIDS, TB, and malaria. For example, strengthening laboratory networks should lead to faster TB diagnosis, and improving supply chains should reduce stock-outs of antiretroviral drugs. The RSSH grant is not a standalone program but part of a larger funding model that also includes disease-specific components. Therefore, applicants must coordinate with their country's Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) and align with national health strategies. The grant emphasizes country ownership, meaning that the principal recipient must be a national entity (government or credible NGO), and the proposal must reflect broad stakeholder input. Community engagement is particularly important, as the Global Fund requires evidence that key populations and vulnerable groups have been consulted and will benefit from the interventions. To succeed, applicants need a deep understanding of the Global Fund's operational policies, capacity assessment procedures, and performance frameworks. This dossier provides a comprehensive guide to navigating these complexities. Additionally, GSLI's specialized training courses offer a competitive advantage by equipping organizations with the skills needed to design, implement, and manage RSSH projects effectively. By investing in capacity building now, applicants can significantly enhance their readiness for the July 2026 deadline.

Strategic Overview

The Global Fund's Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) Grant 2026-2028 is a critical financial mechanism designed to address the systemic weaknesses that hinder effective responses to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. Despite significant progress over the past two decades, health systems in many low- and lower-middle-income countries remain fragile. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed these vulnerabilities, prompting the Global Fund to increase its emphasis on RSSH as a core strategic objective. This grant cycle, with a total allocation of approximately $1.2 billion, targets the health system building blocks: service delivery, health workforce, health information systems, access to essential medicines, financing, and leadership/governance. The grant period runs from 2026 to 2028, but the concept note deadline is July 15, 2026, meaning applicants only have a few months to prepare. The urgency is high given the complex requirements for needs assessments, stakeholder engagement, and robust planning. The Global Fund expects applicants to build on previous investments and demonstrate a clear trajectory towards sustainability. This includes integrating RSSH activities with disease-specific programs to ensure that health system improvements directly translate into better outcomes for AIDS, TB, and malaria. For example, strengthening laboratory networks should lead to faster TB diagnosis, and improving supply chains should reduce stock-outs of antiretroviral drugs. The RSSH grant is not a standalone program but part of a larger funding model that also includes disease-specific components. Therefore, applicants must coordinate with their country's Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) and align with national health strategies. The grant emphasizes country ownership, meaning that the principal recipient must be a national entity (government or credible NGO), and the proposal must reflect broad stakeholder input. Community engagement is particularly important, as the Global Fund requires evidence that key populations and vulnerable groups have been consulted and will benefit from the interventions. To succeed, applicants need a deep understanding of the Global Fund's operational policies, capacity assessment procedures, and performance frameworks. This dossier provides a comprehensive guide to navigating these complexities. Additionally, GSLI's specialized training courses offer a competitive advantage by equipping organizations with the skills needed to design, implement, and manage RSSH projects effectively. By investing in capacity building now, applicants can significantly enhance their readiness for the July 2026 deadline.

Who is it For?

The RSSH grant is designed for a diverse range of applicants, primarily national governments (Ministries of Health) in low- and middle-income countries that are eligible for Global Fund support based on income level and disease burden. Additionally, the grant targets civil society organizations (CSOs), including community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with a proven track record in health service delivery or advocacy. Private sector entities, such as pharmaceutical companies or health technology firms, may also apply if they partner with public health institutions. Multilateral agencies, including UN agencies (e.g., WHO, UNICEF, UNDP), can act as principal recipients or sub-recipients. The grant emphasizes inclusive, multi-stakeholder approaches, requiring applicants to demonstrate strong partnerships with community groups, particularly those representing key populations affected by HIV, TB, and malaria. Applicants must have legal status in the country of implementation, sound financial management systems, and experience in managing donor-funded health projects. The Global Fund encourages applications from organizations that can show added value in strengthening health system components such as supply chain management, laboratory services, health information systems, human resources for health, and governance. Small and local CSOs are encouraged to apply through consortiums or as sub-recipients. The grant is open to both single-country and multi-country proposals, with a preference for regional approaches in cross-border disease control. Detailed eligibility criteria include demonstrating alignment with national health strategies, a clear theory of change, and a robust sustainability plan. Applicants must also present a track record of accountability and transparency in financial reporting. Training in Proposal Writing and Financial Management from GSLI can significantly enhance an applicant's ability to meet these rigorous requirements.

Priorities

The Global Fund's RSSH grant priorities are centered on building resilient and sustainable health systems that can effectively address AIDS, TB, and malaria while also preparing for future health emergencies. Key investment KPIs include (1) strengthening supply chain systems for essential medicines and health products, measured by reduction in stock-outs and lead times; (2) improving laboratory networks and diagnostic capacity, with KPIs such as increased testing volume and quality assurance scores; (3) enhancing health information systems (HIS) for data-driven decision-making, tracked via completeness of disease surveillance reports and interoperability indices; (4) expanding the health workforce through training and retention, measured by number of trained health workers and reduced turnover rates; (5) strengthening community systems and engagement, measured by activation of community health workers and coverage of key interventions; (6) improving governance and management, with KPIs on financial accountability and audit compliance. Donor priorities also include integration of services (e.g., one-stop TB/HIV clinics), digitization of health records, and adoption of innovative financing mechanisms to ensure sustainability. Geographically, the Global Fund focuses on high-burden countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, with additional emphasis on fragile states and regions affected by conflict. The grant requires applicants to demonstrate how their RSSH investments will directly contribute to reducing mortality and incidence of HIV, TB, and malaria, in line with national strategic plans. Performance-based funding is a key principle, with tranches released upon achievement of agreed milestones. The Global Fund also prioritizes gender equality and human rights, requiring interventions to address barriers faced by women, girls, and key populations. Applicants should align their proposals with the Global Fund's Strategic Key Performance Indicators (SKPIs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Training in M&E and Fundraising from GSLI can help organizations design robust frameworks that meet these donor expectations.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the RSSH grant is governed by a comprehensive set of financial, spatial, and corporate legal requirements. Financially, applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage and account for funds in accordance with international standards. This includes having audited financial statements for the last 2-3 years, a functional internal audit system, and no history of significant financial mismanagement. Organizations must also provide evidence of the ability to co-finance (when required) and to pass fiduciary controls. Spatially, applicants must be legally registered in an eligible country (as defined by the Global Fund's eligibility list based on income level and disease burden). Implementation must occur within the country's borders, but multi-country proposals are allowed for regional programs. Applicants must have a physical presence (office) in the country of implementation and the capacity to reach target populations, including in remote or conflict-affected areas. Corporate legal requirements include being a legally registered entity (government ministry, NGO, private company, etc.) with a valid registration certificate, board composition, and clear governance structure. Applicants must have a legal mandate to operate in health or development and a proven track record of delivering health services or system strengthening. Conflict of interest policies and anti-corruption measures must be in place. Additionally, the Global Fund requires that principal recipients undergo a mandatory capacity assessment (including financial management, procurement, and program management) before signing the grant. Organizations that do not meet the minimum thresholds can be capacity-strengthened, but this must be planned in the proposal. Eligibility also requires that the proposed activities complement existing disease-specific programs and do not duplicate efforts. National governments must endorse the proposal as part of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) process. For civil society, a letter of support from the CCM is essential. Training in Grants Management and Procurement & Supply Chain through GSLI can help applicants meet these eligibility criteria and pass capacity assessments.

Path to Success

Securing the Global Fund RSSH grant requires a strategic, well-structured approach that integrates GSLI capacity building. Follow these steps: Step 1: Conduct a comprehensive health system gap analysis and stakeholder mapping. Begin by identifying the weakest components of the health system in your target country, focusing on the six building blocks: service delivery, health workforce, health information systems, access to essential medicines, financing, and leadership/governance. Use data from national health accounts, disease surveillance systems, and previous Global Fund evaluations. Engage all stakeholders—including ministries, civil society, private sector, and key populations—through a participatory workshop to build consensus on priorities. GSLI's course on Project Management for Development can help you structure this process using tools like Gantt charts and stakeholder matrices, ensuring timely and thorough analysis. Step 2: Design an integrated theory of change with clear RPMs (Results, Performance, and Management). Link your RSSH interventions directly to disease-specific outcomes (e.g., reduced TB deaths through improved lab turnaround times). Define KPIs that are SMART and aligned with the Global Fund's SKPIs. Incorporate digital health solutions, such as electronic medical records, to enhance data visibility. GSLI's Monitoring & Evaluation course provides the framework for building logical frameworks and performance indicators that donors demand. Step 3: Develop a strong budget and financial management plan that demonstrates value for money. Use a zero-based budgeting approach, justifying every cost. Include co-financing contributions from government or other donors to show sustainability. Outline internal controls, procurement procedures (e.g., competitive bidding), and audit protocols. GSLI's Financial Management for NGOs course can help you present a credible financial plan that withstands due diligence. Step 4: Submit a high-quality concept note through the Global Fund's online portal, accompanied by letters of endorsement from the CCM and other partners. Ensure the narrative is concise yet comprehensive, highlighting your organization's capacity to deliver. Include a risk mitigation matrix covering operational, financial, and programmatic risks. After submission, be ready for a capacity assessment and possible revision. GSLI's Writing Winning Proposals course provides templates and tips for crafting donor-facing documents that stand out. By integrating these GSLI courses, you not only strengthen your proposal but also demonstrate a commitment to building institutional capacity—a key factor for the Global Fund. Remember, the deadline is July 15, 2026, so start immediately.

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Deadline: 2026-07-15

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal