Strengthening Global Health Security through local partnerships inSierra Leone

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its Global Health Center (GHC), is forecasting a funding opportunity titled "Strengthening Global Health Security through local partnerships in Sierra Leone." This cooperative agreement reflects the U.S. government's commitment to strengthening public health infrastructure in partner countries to better prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. This initiative aligns with broader U.S. and international goals under the Global Health Security Agenda to reduce global vulnerabilities to emerging disease outbreaks and to build sustainable public health capacities. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) specifically targets the Republic of Sierra Leone, a country that has made significant progress in rebuilding its public health infrastructure since the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic. Through this opportunity, the CDC seeks to continue its collaboration with multisectoral and multilateral partners in the region to bolster the country's public health readiness and resilience. The program's stated objectives are to improve Sierra Leone's capacity to prevent emerging infectious diseases, enhance surveillance and diagnostic capabilities, strengthen the national public health workforce, and support institutional development for sustainable health system improvements. The funding will also support the transition of certain health assistance functions to Sierra Leone’s own National Public Health Agency, fostering national ownership and long-term sustainability. The program’s scope includes activities aimed at building core public health capabilities. Key focus areas are data and surveillance systems, laboratory and diagnostic improvements, workforce development through training and technical assistance, and strengthening of public health institutions. While specific spending rules or restrictions are not explicitly detailed in the forecast notice, the cooperative agreement model suggests a collaborative implementation framework, likely with significant oversight, performance reporting, and outcome tracking by the CDC. There are no stated cost-sharing or matching requirements, which may ease financial entry barriers for potential applicants. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad and inclusive. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities: local, state, tribal, and territorial governments; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status; public and private institutions of higher education; public housing authorities; small businesses and other for-profit organizations. This broad eligibility reflects CDC’s interest in engaging a diverse set of stakeholders with the capacity and experience to contribute meaningfully to public health system strengthening efforts in Sierra Leone. Applicants will be required to submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time on June 25, 2026. While the notice is currently in forecast status, the estimated post date is April 24, 2026, which will likely coincide with the official release of the application package. Interested applicants should monitor Grants.gov for any updates and be prepared for a relatively short turnaround between the official posting and the submission deadline. No pre-application (e.g., LOI or concept paper) requirements are indicated at this time. The anticipated award date is August 31, 2026, with the project period expected to begin on September 30, 2026. The program expects to issue up to three awards under this opportunity, with total program funding estimated at $125 million. Although the forecast does not specify per-award ceilings or floors, the scale of the total funding indicates that selected recipients could receive substantial support. The cooperative agreement format further implies close coordination between CDC and the funded partners during the implementation phase. No recurrence information is provided, so applicants should consider this a one-time opportunity unless future cycles are later announced.