Deadline: 16-Jun-2026
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is funding projects to improve estimates of diarrheal disease burden in children under five in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The program supports modeling of mortality, morbidity, pathogen attribution, and DALYs for 2025 using robust epidemiological methods. Grants can reach up to USD 1.5 million for a duration of two years.
Funding Opportunity: Global Diarrheal Disease Burden Estimation (LMIC Focus)
Overview
This initiative strengthens estimates of diarrheal disease burden in LMICs through improved modeling of mortality, morbidity, and pathogen-specific impacts in children under five.
It supports organizations with expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, and infectious disease modeling.
Objectives
- Estimate total diarrheal mortality in children under five
- Measure pathogen-specific mortality and morbidity
- Improve attribution methods for coinfections
- Generate uncertainty-aware burden estimates
- Strengthen LMIC analytic capacity
Key Outputs Required
Mortality
- Total diarrheal deaths (under age 5)
- Mortality incidence rates
- Pathogen-specific mortality fractions
Morbidity
- Total disease cases
- Severe cases
- Hospitalizations
Modeling Outputs
- DALYs
- Historical trends
- Regional/global aggregation
- Cost burden estimates
Priority Pathogens
- Rotavirus
- Shigella
- Adenovirus 40/41
- Norovirus GII
- ST-ETEC
- Cholera
- Cryptosporidium
- Campylobacter
Why This Matters
Diarrheal diseases remain a major cause of child mortality in LMICs. Reliable estimates are essential for:
- Vaccine development
- Health system planning
- Resource allocation
- Child survival programs
Current estimates vary due to:
- Limited surveillance data
- Diagnostic inconsistencies
- Modeling differences
- Incomplete pathogen data
Geographic Priorities
- India
- Nigeria
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Other high-burden LMICs
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Academic institutions
- Research institutes
- Nonprofits
- For-profit research organizations
- Government agencies
- International organizations
Preferred:
- LMIC-based institutions
- LMIC-led partnerships
- Global research consortia
Required Expertise
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Disease burden modeling
- Infectious disease analytics
Methodological Requirements
- Clear etiologic attribution methods
- Handling of coinfections
- Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis
- Transparent assumptions
- 2025-based projections using latest data
Acceptable Approaches
- Independent modeling systems
- Re-estimation of existing models
- Hybrid statistical frameworks
Funding Details
- Up to USD 1.5 million per project
- Duration: up to 2 years
- Reference year: 2025
How to Apply
- Define geographic scope
- Select pathogens and outcomes
- Design modeling framework
- Identify data sources
- Include uncertainty analysis
- Describe LMIC collaboration
- Prepare technical documentation
- Submit proposal
Tips
- Ensure reproducible modeling
- Include LMIC partners centrally
- Document all assumptions clearly
- Use multiple data sources
- Include sensitivity testing
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring coinfections
- Weak uncertainty modeling
- Over-reliance on single datasets
- Poor documentation
- Weak LMIC engagement
FAQ
What is the goal of this program?
To improve estimates of diarrheal disease burden in children under five using advanced modeling.
Which regions are prioritized?
High-burden LMICs, especially India, Nigeria, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Which pathogens are included?
Rotavirus, Shigella, Norovirus GII, ST-ETEC, Cholera, Cryptosporidium, Campylobacter, Adenovirus 40/41.
What is the funding limit?
Up to USD 1.5 million.
How long is the project duration?
Up to two years.
Can existing models be used?
Yes, with improved data or assumptions.
Is LMIC collaboration required?
Strongly preferred and encouraged.
Conclusion
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funding opportunity aims to improve the accuracy of global diarrheal disease burden estimates through advanced epidemiological modeling, with a strong focus on LMIC collaboration and child health impact.
For more information, visit Gates Foundation.
