Collaboration With the World Health Organization and its Regional Offices for Global Health Security and the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005)

On September 19, 2011, the Government of the United States of America and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to help WHO Member States strengthen their capabilities to support the International Health Regul

On September 19, 2011, the Government of the United States of America and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to help WHO Member States strengthen their capabilities to support the International Health Regulations (IHR), an international agreement that requires Member States to prevent and respond to acute public health risks that have the potential to cross borders. The MOU includes specific statements that authorize WHO and its regional offices to pursue activities that improve the ability of all nations to detect, report, and respond to infectious diseases quickly and accurately. The purpose is to assist WHO in implementing the MOU regarding the International Health Regulations, including the development and implementation of coordinated plans and networks that enable national governments and regional authorities globally to better address infectious diseases, particularly emerging infections. Specific activities will focus on improving infectious disease surveillance and response; enhancing knowledge generation, innovation, and tools for improved management that build public health infrastructure and strengthen regional health leadership and collaboration; sharing knowledge, tools and other resources in support of applied epidemiology; and developing improved infectious disease surveillance, prevention and control strategies.

Only the World Health Organization and its regional offices are eligible to apply. For purposes of this document, the term "WHO" includes its regional offices (e.g., PAHO, EMRO, AFRO, SEARO, etc). WHO is the only international and intergovernmental agency qualified to conduct activities under this cooperative agreement.

The World Health Organization and its regional offices work will benefit individuals worldwide, including in the U.S., through collaboration with National Ministries of Health and other organizations/institutions. The purpose is to support WHO to reduce the global disease burden through improved international capacity to detect, respond to, prevent and control infectious diseases and other threats.

Support implementation of the IHR by analyzing regional, national, and local resources devoted to infectious diseases and identifying areas for implementation of infectious disease activities consistent with the purpose of this cooperative agreement. Develop, implement, and conduct projects to enhance infectious disease surveillance, response, prevention, and control. Srengthen regional and national public health networks and inter-sectorial co-operation and collaborate with other health organizations, academic institutions, and community groups as appropriate to accomplish program activities. Strengthen regional and national public health leadership and collaboration. Monitor and evaluate overall program performance and the progress of individual projects or activities. Publish and disseminate findings, program evaluations, and lessons learned.

This AL will not be funded in FY'26.

Financial assistance is provided for a 12-month budget period with a period of performance of up to five years subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory progress of the recipient.

Applications will be evaluated on the review criteria described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcements (NOFOs). In general, the review and selection process of complete and responsive applications to the NOFO consists of determination of the scientific and technical merit by objective or peer review, availability of funds, and relevance of program priorities and the priorities of CDC.

After review and approval, a Notice of Award (NoA) will be prepared and processed, along with appropriate notification to the public. Initial awards provide funds for the first budget period (usually 12 months) and the NoA will indicate support recommended for the remainder of the project period, allocation of Federal funds by budget categories, award requirements, and special conditions, if any.

Check Grants.gov for any relevant NOFO information regarding processes for applying for assistance.

Cooperative agreement period of performance is 1 to 5 years. After initial awards, and subject to availability of funds, projects may be continued non-competitively contingent upon satisfactory progress by the recipient (as documented in required reports) and the determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the Federal government.