USAID Global Health Security Agenda: Strengthening Public Health Institutes for Pandemic Preparedness

The USAID Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) 2026 grant opportunity is a landmark initiative designed to fortify national public health systems against emerging infectious disease threats. With a total anticipated funding envelope of up to $500 million over five years, this call for proposals targets the strengthening of National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) and analogous bodies in low- and middle-income countries. The primary goal is to ensure that these institutions can effectively detect, prevent, and respond to outbreaks, in alignment with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) core capacities. The opportunity is open to a wide range of organizations, including NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector entities, provided they can demonstrate the requisite technical expertise and compliance with USAID's stringent financial and legal requirements. The deadline, August 30, 2026, imposes a high sense of urgency, given the ongoing global health challenges and the growing number of disease outbreaks worldwide. Successful proposals will emphasize a holistic institutional strengthening approach, moving beyond short-term technical assistance to build sustainable, locally-owned capacities. The call is set against a backdrop of increased global attention to health security, catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the persistent threat of pathogens such as Mpox, Ebola, and antimicrobial-resistant organisms. USAID's strategic focus on pandemic preparedness is not isolated; it integrates with other U.S. government investments, including those from the CDC, and aligns with international frameworks such as the Global Health Security Agenda's 2024 targets. The donor expects applicants to present a clear theory of change and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, with measurable indicators that track improvements in IHR capacities, workforce development, surveillance timeliness, and laboratory performance. Additionally, cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, localization, and innovation are weighted heavily in the evaluation process. For example, USAID requires that at least 25% of total funding be directed to local organizations, ensuring that the benefits of the grant directly strengthen national systems. Given the complexity and competitiveness of this opportunity, organizations must be meticulously prepared. The proposal must demonstrate not only technical expertise but also financial probity and strong internal controls to manage what is often a multi-million dollar grant. This is where GSLI's training courses become invaluable. By enrolling key personnel in courses such as 'Financial Management for NGOs' and 'Writing Winning Proposals,' organizations can enhance their capacity to meet USAID's expectations. The overview of the call reveals that the donor places a premium on partnership and sustainability; thus, a consortium that includes local government entities and other local actors stands a higher chance of success. Ultimately, this grant represents a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact on global health security, but it requires a strategic, detailed, and well-supported application.

Strategic Overview

The USAID Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) 2026 grant opportunity is a landmark initiative designed to fortify national public health systems against emerging infectious disease threats. With a total anticipated funding envelope of up to $500 million over five years, this call for proposals targets the strengthening of National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) and analogous bodies in low- and middle-income countries. The primary goal is to ensure that these institutions can effectively detect, prevent, and respond to outbreaks, in alignment with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) core capacities. The opportunity is open to a wide range of organizations, including NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector entities, provided they can demonstrate the requisite technical expertise and compliance with USAID's stringent financial and legal requirements. The deadline, August 30, 2026, imposes a high sense of urgency, given the ongoing global health challenges and the growing number of disease outbreaks worldwide. Successful proposals will emphasize a holistic institutional strengthening approach, moving beyond short-term technical assistance to build sustainable, locally-owned capacities. The call is set against a backdrop of increased global attention to health security, catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the persistent threat of pathogens such as Mpox, Ebola, and antimicrobial-resistant organisms. USAID's strategic focus on pandemic preparedness is not isolated; it integrates with other U.S. government investments, including those from the CDC, and aligns with international frameworks such as the Global Health Security Agenda's 2024 targets. The donor expects applicants to present a clear theory of change and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, with measurable indicators that track improvements in IHR capacities, workforce development, surveillance timeliness, and laboratory performance. Additionally, cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, localization, and innovation are weighted heavily in the evaluation process. For example, USAID requires that at least 25% of total funding be directed to local organizations, ensuring that the benefits of the grant directly strengthen national systems. Given the complexity and competitiveness of this opportunity, organizations must be meticulously prepared. The proposal must demonstrate not only technical expertise but also financial probity and strong internal controls to manage what is often a multi-million dollar grant. This is where GSLI's training courses become invaluable. By enrolling key personnel in courses such as 'Financial Management for NGOs' and 'Writing Winning Proposals,' organizations can enhance their capacity to meet USAID's expectations. The overview of the call reveals that the donor places a premium on partnership and sustainability; thus, a consortium that includes local government entities and other local actors stands a higher chance of success. Ultimately, this grant represents a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact on global health security, but it requires a strategic, detailed, and well-supported application.

Who is it For?

This funding opportunity is specifically targeted at legally recognized entities that demonstrate a robust track record in public health capacity building, particularly within the context of the Global Health Security Agenda. Eligible applicants include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), academic institutions, research institutes, for-profit entities, private sector organizations, and international organizations such as UN agencies. Local and national public health institutions in eligible countries are also encouraged to apply, provided they have the legal capacity to receive and administer US federal funds. USAID strongly emphasizes partnerships—especially consortia that leverage the comparative advantages of multiple sectors. Ideal applicants will have hands-on experience in strengthening public health surveillance systems, laboratory networks, and emergency operations centers. They must also demonstrate capability in cross-cutting areas like gender integration, community engagement, and governance. Additionally, organizations must show they have the financial management systems to comply with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and USAID-specific audit requirements. Startups or organizations without an established financial control environment may need to partner with an entity that has a robust fiduciary track record. Despite the general persona, USAID looks for entities that can tailor interventions to country contexts, including fragile or conflict-affected areas. Prior experience in working with national governments, particularly ministries of health and national public health institutes (NPHIs), is a significant advantage. Ineligible entities include individuals, political parties, and entities on the US government's debarment list. The opportunity favors those who can demonstrate a long-term commitment to health security beyond a single project.

Priorities

USAID's Global Health Security Agenda priorities center on achieving measurable, sustainable improvements in five core technical areas: (1) Surveillance and early warning systems, (2) Laboratory diagnostics capacity including biosafety and biosecurity, (3) Field epidemiology and workforce development (through programs like FETP), (4) Emergency management and coordination (including incident management systems), and (5) Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) containment. Beyond technical activities, the donor prioritizes cross-cutting themes: gender equality, social inclusion, and human rights-based approaches. For instance, proposals must explain how interventions will address gender-specific barriers to health security, such as women's representation in leadership roles. Additionally, USAID emphasizes localization—ensuring at least 25% of total funding is sub-granted to local or national actors (including local NGOs and government institutions). Another priority is innovation in data use: leveraging mobile technologies, AI, or geospatial analytics for real-time disease surveillance. The donor also focuses on integration with global health initiatives like the Global Fund, CDC, and WHO collaborative arrangements, to avoid duplication. Key performance indicators (KPIs) include: number of countries achieving at least 80% IHR core capacity scores (measured via JEE or SPAR assessments); number of public health workforce trained; number of suspected disease events notified within 24 hours; and percentage of laboratory serological results confirmed within reference network. Financial sustainability is also a priority; USAID expects co-investment from host governments or other donors to ensure activities continue after funding ends. Proposals should align with the country's National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) or similar national strategies. The deadline urgency is HIGH due to the worldwide threat of emerging infectious diseases; USAID aims to award new agreements by early 2027 to address acute gaps.

Eligibility

To be eligible for USAID GHSA funding, organizations must meet comprehensive legal, financial, and technical criteria. First, applicants must be registered and in good standing with the relevant national authority (e.g., NGO bureau, corporate registry, or similar). They must have a DUNS number (or Unique Entity Identifier) and be registered in SAM.gov. Financial eligibility requires submission of audited financial statements for the last three fiscal years, demonstrating a stable revenue stream and clean audit opinions. The organization must have a formal accounting system that can segregate funds by cost category (personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contractual, etc.) and by funding source. For US-based NGOs, compliance with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards) is mandatory, including internal controls over cash management, procurement, and property management. Non-US entities must comply with local laws and may need to establish a cost allocation methodology approved by USAID. Spatial eligibility: the organization must operate or intend to operate in one or more of the countries listed as GHSA focus countries (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, South Africa, Uganda, etc.). Evidence of country registration or a formal agreement with a local partner is required. Corporate legal audit includes verifying that the entity has an active system for compliance with anti-terrorism laws, anti-corruption measures, and US sanctions. Organizations must certify they have not been convicted of fraud or debarred. Additionally, they must show technical eligibility: documented experience in at least two of the aforementioned GHSA technical areas, with references of previous successful projects. Personnel qualifications are reviewed; key personnel (e.g., Chief of Party, public health advisor) must have advanced degrees (MPH, PhD, etc.) and relevant field experience. Proposal budgets must demonstrate cost realism and reasonableness, with indirect cost rates negotiated or in compliance with de minimis rate. Ineligible parties include any entity affiliated with terrorist organizations, those engaging in partisan political activity, or those with unresolved audit findings from prior US federal awards.

Path to Success

Achieving success in the USAID GHSA grant requires a multi-step strategic roadmap that integrates organizational readiness, consortium building, technical excellence, and cross-selling of GSLI training courses. Step 1: Institutional capacity assessment and gap analysis. Before drafting your proposal, conduct an internal audit of your organization's financial and technical readiness. Evaluate your compliance with 2 CFR 200, availability of audited financial statements, SAM.gov registration, and DUNS number status. If your organization lacks in-depth expertise in financial management for US federal grants, GSLI recommends enrolling key finance and grant staff in the 'Financial Management for NGOs' and 'Grants Management' courses. These short-term courses ensure your team can navigate complex USAID budgets, cost allocation, and reporting requirements. Step 2: Build a multi-stakeholder consortium and develop a theory of change. Engage with local governments, national public health institutes (NPHIs), other NGOs, and private sector partners as early as possible. Develop a collaborative interest letter and draft a governance structure. Use the 'Project Management for Development' course from GSLI to design an evidence-based project workplan with clear milestones and deliverables. Your theory of change should articulate how your interventions will lead to improved IHR core capacities, with measurable indicators aligned with WHO and JEE benchmarks. Step 3: Craft a technically sound proposal with strong M&E and sustainability plans. Detailed narrative must address each GHSA priority area, including workforce development (e.g., FETP expansion), surveillance (e.g., electronic integrated disease surveillance systems), lab strengthening (e.g., sample transport networks), and emergency response (e.g., simulation exercises). Integrate a robust monitoring and evaluation framework using GSLI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' course concepts: logic models, indicator reference sheets, data quality assessments, and use of DHIS2 or relevant platforms. Describe how you will ensure mutual accountability—e.g., with government co-investment. Step 4: Embed cross-cutting themes and secure GSLI training certifications. Demonstrate how your project addresses gender equality and localization. Require partners to undergo GSLI's 'Public Health & Epidemiology' and 'WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)' courses to bolster technical competencies. GSLI's certificates can be listed as part of the capacity building activities, showing USAID that your consortium is investing in professional development. Additionally, include continuous learning elements using GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' module as a pre-award preparation and 'Procurement & Supply Chain' for logistics of laboratory supplies. Finally, ensure all steps are documented in a read-ahead package for the pre-proposal conference—this showcases your organizational maturity and commitment to long-term health security.

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Deadline: 2026-08-30

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal