US launches $4.5B platform inviting NGO support for bilateral health deals

The U.S. State Department launched a new umbrella platform that, for the first time, demonstrates how it will operationalize funding of global health projects outside of the bilateral health deals it’s signing with countries under its new “America First” global health strategy.

This launch gives long-anticipated insight into how the Trump administration plans to engage entities outside of governments around global health. Importantly, international nongovernmental organizations, local NGOs, faith-based organizations, companies, universities, and government entities are all eligible to apply.

The platform announced an overarching “Advancing Global Health program,” which anticipates up to 100 projects of up to five years in duration, ranging from awards of $500,000 to $250 million. The total estimated funding is up to $4.5 billion — subject to availability. The State Department would award grants or cooperative agreements, which would be funded through Congressional appropriations.