USAID Global Health Security: Strengthening Health Systems Capacity in Fragile States

The USAID Global Health Security: Strengthening Health Systems Capacity in Fragile States call for proposals is a flagship initiative under the U.S. Global Health Security Agenda. It aims to bolster the capacity of fragile states to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats, thereby protecting global health security. The call is open to international and local organizations with expertise in health system strengthening, surveillance, laboratory systems, and workforce development. With a total funding pool estimated at $200 million, individual awards range from $1 million to $10 million, with project durations of 3 to 5 years. The deadline is August 31, 2026, and the urgency is marked by the rapid spread of emerging diseases and the vulnerability of health systems in conflict-affected areas. Applicants must demonstrate a deep understanding of the local context, including political, economic, and social dynamics, and propose integrated interventions that address the root causes of health system fragility. Key technical areas include community-based surveillance, laboratory accreditation, infection prevention and control, and health information systems. Cross-cutting themes include gender equity, climate resilience, and conflict sensitivity. The opportunity requires a consortium approach, with partnerships between international and local organizations to ensure sustainability and local ownership. USAID expects applicants to align their proposals with national health sector plans and the Global Health Security Agenda targets. The proposal process involves a two-stage submission: a concept note due in early 2026, followed by a full proposal for shortlisted applicants. The call is highly competitive, with an estimated success rate of 10-15%. To maximize chances, applicants must demonstrate proven experience in fragile settings, a strong performance track record, and a robust risk mitigation plan. The outcome of the project will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). In summary, this call represents a significant opportunity for organizations to make a lasting impact on global health security while advancing their institutional mission.

Strategic Overview

The USAID Global Health Security: Strengthening Health Systems Capacity in Fragile States call for proposals is a flagship initiative under the U.S. Global Health Security Agenda. It aims to bolster the capacity of fragile states to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats, thereby protecting global health security. The call is open to international and local organizations with expertise in health system strengthening, surveillance, laboratory systems, and workforce development. With a total funding pool estimated at $200 million, individual awards range from $1 million to $10 million, with project durations of 3 to 5 years. The deadline is August 31, 2026, and the urgency is marked by the rapid spread of emerging diseases and the vulnerability of health systems in conflict-affected areas. Applicants must demonstrate a deep understanding of the local context, including political, economic, and social dynamics, and propose integrated interventions that address the root causes of health system fragility. Key technical areas include community-based surveillance, laboratory accreditation, infection prevention and control, and health information systems. Cross-cutting themes include gender equity, climate resilience, and conflict sensitivity. The opportunity requires a consortium approach, with partnerships between international and local organizations to ensure sustainability and local ownership. USAID expects applicants to align their proposals with national health sector plans and the Global Health Security Agenda targets. The proposal process involves a two-stage submission: a concept note due in early 2026, followed by a full proposal for shortlisted applicants. The call is highly competitive, with an estimated success rate of 10-15%. To maximize chances, applicants must demonstrate proven experience in fragile settings, a strong performance track record, and a robust risk mitigation plan. The outcome of the project will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). In summary, this call represents a significant opportunity for organizations to make a lasting impact on global health security while advancing their institutional mission.

Who is it For?

This opportunity is designed for a diverse range of actors, including international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), local civil society organizations (CSOs), private sector entities, academic institutions, and public-private consortia. Priority is given to organizations with demonstrable experience in fragile and conflict-affected states, particularly those with an established presence in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Eligible entities must have a minimum of three years of experience in health system strengthening, with a proven track record in at least two of the following areas: infectious disease surveillance, laboratory capacity building, emergency response, or health workforce training. USAID encourages partnerships with local organizations to foster sustainability and local ownership. Financial eligibility requires an annual turnover of at least $5 million and unaudited financial statements for the past two fiscal years. Additionally, organizations must comply with USAID's counterterrorism and anti-trafficking requirements, including vetting of key personnel.

Priorities

USAID's global health security priorities under this call focus on three main pillars: (1) Enhancing disease surveillance and early warning systems, including community-based surveillance and digital health platforms; (2) Strengthening laboratory networks and diagnostic capacity, ensuring rapid detection of emerging pathogens; (3) Building a resilient health workforce through training, mentoring, and supportive supervision. The donor emphasizes cross-sectoral integration, particularly linking health with WASH, nutrition, and pandemic preparedness. Key performance indicators include a 20% reduction in time to detect and respond to outbreaks, a 30% increase in health facilities with basic WASH services, and a 50% increase in community health workers trained in surveillance protocols. USAID also prioritizes gender equity and social inclusion, requiring that at least 40% of trainees be women and interventions reach marginalized populations. Climate resilience and One Health approaches are embedded throughout, as fragile states face disproportionate impacts from climate-sensitive diseases.

Eligibility

Eligibility extends to for-profit and non-profit organizations with a valid registration in the country of operation and in the U.S. (if applying for direct funding). A detailed financial audit is required: applicants must submit audited financial statements for the last two years, demonstrating sound financial management and a current ratio of at least 1.5. Legal audits must confirm compliance with USAID's mandatory standard provisions, including the Anti-Lobbying Act, Trafficking Victims Protection Act, and Counterterrorism clauses. Spatial audits require a clear project implementation plan with detailed maps of target regions, baseline health infrastructure data, and risk assessments for conflict-affected areas. Organizations must also demonstrate proven capacity for remote monitoring in insecure zones. The minimum project budget is $1 million, with a maximum of $10 million per award. Cost share is encouraged but not mandatory. Consortium proposals must designate a prime recipient with at least 25% of the budget, and all partners must meet the same eligibility standards.

Path to Success

To secure funding, follow this strategic roadmap integrating GSLI training: 1. **Pre-Bid Alignment (Now – 30 days):** Conduct a thorough gap analysis of your organization’s capacity against USAID’s technical and compliance requirements. Enroll key staff in GSLI’s ‘Writing Winning Proposals’ course to craft compelling narratives for the concept note. Simultaneously, complete the ‘Grants Management’ course to strengthen financial compliance and understand USAID’s reporting frameworks. 2. **Consortium Formation (30-60 days):** Identify and secure partnerships with local organizations, ensuring at least 30% of project activities are implemented by local actors. Use GSLI’s ‘Project Management for Development’ course to design a robust coordination structure, including a joint monitoring plan and conflict-sensitive communication protocols. 3. **Technical Design (60-90 days):** Develop a theory of change linking surveillance, lab capacity, and workforce training with measurable outcomes. Integrate WASH and epidemiology components using GSLI’s ‘Public Health & Epidemiology’ course to ensure evidence-based interventions. Align with USAID’s gender and climate requirements by incorporating a gender action plan and climate risk assessment. 4. **Proposal Write & Compliance Check (90 days to deadline):** Submit a full proposal with a detailed budget, M&E framework, and risk matrix. Engage GSLI’s ‘Monitoring & Evaluation’ course to design indicator tracking systems. Ensure all documentation is audited by legal and financial experts. Finally, submit via USAID’s grants.gov or workbench system before the deadline.

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Deadline: 2026-08-31

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal