Call for Strengthening Global Health Security through Local Partnerships (US)

The Strengthening Global Health Security through Local Partnerships in Sierra Leone funding opportunity supports initiatives that improve public health preparedness, disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, workforce development, and emergency response systems. The programme aims to build a sustainable health security system through collaboration with government institutions and partners.

Funding Summary

• Funding Programme: Strengthening Global Health Security through Local Partnerships in Sierra Leone
• Funding Area: Global Health Security and Public Health
• Location: Sierra Leone
• Total Estimated Funding: US$125,000,000
• Focus Areas:
  • Infectious disease prevention and response
  • Disease surveillance
  • Laboratory systems
  • Public health workforce development
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Health system strengthening
  • Institutional capacity building
• Eligible Applicants: Government entities, nonprofit organisations, educational institutions, private organisations, small businesses, and other eligible entities

About the Programme

The Strengthening Global Health Security through Local Partnerships in Sierra Leone funding opportunity supports projects that improve the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats.

The programme focuses on developing a stronger and more resilient public health system through collaboration between national institutions, government agencies, and technical partners.

By strengthening essential public health functions, the initiative aims to improve long-term health security and support sustainable management of health programmes within Sierra Leone’s national institutions.

Objectives of the Programme

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen Sierra Leone’s global health security capabilities.
• Improve preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks.
• Enhance disease detection and response systems.
• Strengthen government-led public health programmes.
• Build sustainable national health institutions.
• Support the transition of technical assistance activities to local leadership.

Key Focus Areas

Disease Surveillance and Data Systems

The programme supports improvements in:

• Disease monitoring systems.
• Data collection and management.
• Early detection of health threats.
• Information sharing for outbreak response.

Strong surveillance systems will help public health authorities identify emerging threats quickly and coordinate effective responses.

Laboratory Capacity Strengthening

Activities may support:

• Diagnostic capacity improvement.
• Laboratory system development.
• Strengthening testing capabilities.
• Improving laboratory preparedness for infectious diseases.

Enhanced laboratory systems are essential for accurate detection and effective outbreak management.

Public Health Workforce Development

The programme supports:

• Training and development of public health professionals.
• Institutional capacity building.
• Strengthening technical expertise.
• Improving workforce readiness for emergencies.

A skilled public health workforce is critical for maintaining sustainable health security systems.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

Supported activities aim to improve:

• Outbreak response capabilities.
• Emergency management systems.
• Coordination among health institutions.
• National preparedness planning.

The programme helps ensure that Sierra Leone can respond rapidly to infectious disease emergencies.

Strengthening Local Leadership

A major goal of the programme is to support the transition of health security activities to the Government of Sierra Leone and the National Public Health Agency.

The initiative promotes:

• Government ownership of public health programmes.
• Stronger national institutions.
• Sustainable management of health security functions.
• Reduced dependence on external technical support.

Expected Outcomes

The programme is expected to contribute to:

• Faster identification of infectious disease threats.
• Improved outbreak prevention and response.
• Stronger laboratory and surveillance systems.
• Better-trained public health professionals.
• Enhanced coordination among health institutions.
• Long-term sustainability of national health security efforts.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Special district governments.
• City or township governments.
• County governments.
• State governments.
• Native American tribal governments.
• Native American tribal organisations.
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education.
• Private institutions of higher education.
• Independent school districts.
• Public housing authorities or Indian housing authorities.
• Nonprofit organisations with or without 501(c)(3) status.
• For-profit organisations other than small businesses.
• Small businesses.
• Other eligible entities specified in the funding announcement.

Partnership Approach

The programme encourages collaboration among:

• Government institutions.
• Public health agencies.
• Research organisations.
• Academic institutions.
• Nonprofit organisations.
• International health partners.

Partnership-based approaches are expected to strengthen coordination and improve the effectiveness of public health interventions.

Application Considerations

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Technical expertise in public health systems.
• Ability to implement large-scale health programmes.
• Experience working with government and community partners.
• Capacity to manage funding and reporting requirements.
• Commitment to sustainable health system strengthening.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants should:

• Clearly connect proposed activities with Sierra Leone’s health security priorities.
• Demonstrate experience in infectious disease prevention and response.
• Highlight partnerships with local institutions.
• Include strong monitoring and evaluation approaches.
• Explain how activities will support long-term sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?

The programme aims to strengthen Sierra Leone’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats by improving public health systems and national capacity.

What areas does the programme support?

It supports surveillance, laboratory systems, workforce development, emergency response, health information systems, and institutional strengthening.

How much funding is available?

The estimated total funding available is US$125,000,000.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include government entities, nonprofit organisations, educational institutions, private organisations, small businesses, and other qualified entities.

Why is local partnership important in this programme?

The programme focuses on building national ownership and strengthening Sierra Leone’s institutions so health security activities can be managed sustainably.

Conclusion

The Strengthening Global Health Security through Local Partnerships in Sierra Leone funding opportunity provides significant support for improving public health preparedness and strengthening national health security systems. Through investments in surveillance, laboratories, workforce development, and institutional capacity, the programme aims to create a sustainable and resilient public health framework capable of addressing future infectious disease threats.