CDC Grant to Strengthen Global Health Surveillance Systems (United States)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Global Health Center has announced a cooperative agreement opportunity to strengthen global health security through improved disease surveillance systems. The initiative focuses on accelerating outbreak detection, notification, and response by improving early warning systems, digital surveillance tools, and public health data use.

The programme will support countries and global health partners in building stronger, faster, and more resilient systems to detect and respond to infectious disease threats and public health emergencies.

Overview of the CDC Global Health Security Surveillance Initiative

The CDC Global Health Center, Division of Global Health Protection is offering a funding opportunity titled “Preventing Global Health Threats by Strengthening Surveillance Systems to Accelerate Outbreak Detection, Notification, and Response.”

The initiative aims to improve global health security by supporting surveillance systems that can quickly identify emerging health threats and enable timely public health action.

The programme focuses on strengthening:

• Disease surveillance systems
• Early warning mechanisms
• Outbreak detection capacity
• Emergency response systems
• Health data management
• Global health partnerships

Purpose of the Funding Opportunity

The initiative aims to help countries and health organizations develop stronger surveillance capabilities that improve:

• Speed of outbreak identification
• Accuracy of disease reporting
• Coordination during health emergencies
• Use of data for public health decisions

The programme supports the development of sustainable systems that protect communities from infectious disease threats.

Key Focus Areas

Early Warning Surveillance Systems

The programme supports improvements in systems that identify potential outbreaks at an early stage.

Activities may include:

• Strengthening disease monitoring networks
• Improving detection processes
• Enhancing reporting mechanisms
• Building rapid response capacity

Electronic and Digital Surveillance Tools

The initiative encourages the development and improvement of digital health surveillance systems.

Support may include:

• Electronic reporting platforms
• Data integration tools
• Interoperable surveillance systems
• Digital information-sharing mechanisms

Data Use for Public Health Action

The programme focuses on transforming surveillance data into practical decisions.

Activities may include:

• Data analysis
• Risk assessment
• Public health planning
• Evidence-based response strategies

Global Health Security Strengthening

The initiative supports national and regional systems that improve preparedness for:

• Infectious disease outbreaks
• Emerging health threats
• Public health emergencies

Funding Details

The cooperative agreement provides:

• Expected Year 1 funding: USD 3,000,000
• Expected number of awards: Approximately 1–2
• Project duration: 5 years
• Budget periods: Five 12-month periods

Funding will support implementation activities that strengthen global health security systems.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Government organizations
• Educational institutions
• Nonprofit organizations
• Tribal organizations
• Private institutions
• For-profit organizations
• Small businesses
• Foreign or non-U.S.-based entities

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to implement surveillance strengthening activities aligned with the funding opportunity.

Geographic Eligibility

Projects must be implemented in specified regions and countries.

Eligible regions include:

• Central America and South America
• East Africa
• Eastern Europe and Central Asia
• Middle East
• South Asia
• Southeast Asia
• Central Africa
• Southern Africa
• West Africa

Priority countries include:

• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Armenia
• Georgia
• Ukraine
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Uganda
• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Other eligible countries listed under the opportunity

How the Programme Works

The cooperative agreement approach involves collaboration between CDC and selected organizations.

Step 1: Identify Surveillance Gaps

Applicants should assess:

• Existing disease surveillance systems
• Data collection challenges
• Reporting limitations
• Response capacity gaps

Step 2: Develop Surveillance Improvement Plans

Projects should propose solutions such as:

• Improved monitoring systems
• Digital tools
• Workforce strengthening
• Better data workflows

Step 3: Implement Activities

Implementation may include:

• Building surveillance infrastructure
• Training health workers
• Improving data systems
• Strengthening outbreak response coordination

Step 4: Monitor and Evaluate Results

Projects should measure:

• Detection speed
• Reporting improvements
• Response effectiveness
• System capacity gains

Expected Outcomes

The programme aims to achieve:

Faster Outbreak Detection

• Earlier identification of health threats
• Improved disease monitoring
• Stronger early warning systems

Stronger Public Health Systems

• Better surveillance infrastructure
• Increased workforce capacity
• Improved emergency preparedness

Improved Data-Based Decision Making

• Better use of health information
• Faster response planning
• Stronger coordination

Enhanced Global Partnerships

• Increased collaboration between countries
• Improved knowledge sharing
• Stronger global health security networks

Eligible Project Activities

Funding may support activities such as:

• Surveillance system development
• Digital health tool implementation
• Workforce training
• Data management improvement
• Technical assistance
• Emergency preparedness activities

Projects should focus on practical implementation rather than research.

Application Requirements

Applicants must:

• Submit proposals in English
• Provide budgets in U.S. dollars
• Follow required application formats
• Stay within project narrative limits
• Align activities with the opportunity scope

The opportunity does not require:

• Cost-sharing
• Matching funds

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing research-only projects
• Failing to explain surveillance improvements
• Creating unrealistic implementation plans
• Ignoring country-level health priorities
• Not describing measurable outcomes

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly identify surveillance challenges
• Explain how systems will improve outbreak response
• Include practical implementation steps
• Demonstrate experience in public health programmes
• Highlight partnerships with national health authorities
• Define measurable indicators

Why This Initiative Matters

Emerging infectious diseases can spread rapidly across borders. Strong surveillance systems allow health authorities to detect threats early, respond quickly, and prevent larger outbreaks.

By strengthening digital tools, data systems, and public health capacity, this initiative contributes to stronger global health security and more resilient healthcare systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the CDC surveillance grant opportunity?

It is a cooperative agreement programme that supports organizations in strengthening surveillance systems for faster outbreak detection and response.

Who manages this funding opportunity?

The programme is managed by the CDC Global Health Center, Division of Global Health Protection.

How much funding is available?

The expected Year 1 funding amount is approximately USD 3 million, with around 1–2 awards expected.

How long will funded projects run?

Projects are expected to operate for five years with annual budget periods.

Can organizations outside the United States apply?

Yes. Foreign and non-U.S.-based organizations may be eligible if they meet requirements.

Is cost-sharing required?

No. The opportunity does not require matching funds or cost-sharing.

What type of projects are supported?

Projects that strengthen surveillance systems, improve outbreak detection, enhance notification processes, and improve response capacity are supported.

Conclusion

The CDC Global Health Security Surveillance Initiative provides a major opportunity to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response systems worldwide.

By investing in early warning systems, digital health tools, and public health capacity, the programme aims to help countries detect health threats faster and respond more effectively to future outbreaks.