The CDC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) CDC-RFA-JG-25-0138, titled "Global Health Security and Local Partner Engagement: Continuing to Expand Efforts and Strategies to Protect and Improve Public Health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)," seeks to advance public health security in the DRC. This funding opportunity aims to strengthen the country's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats through partnerships at regional, national, and local levels.

Key objectives of this program include improving the prevention of avoidable epidemics caused by naturally occurring outbreaks or accidental and intentional releases of pathogens, enhancing early detection capabilities for emerging public health threats, and building the capacity for rapid and effective responses to infectious diseases and public health crises of international concern. The initiative aligns with the Global Health Security (GHS) targets to protect and improve health globally.

The estimated total funding for this opportunity is $15,500,000, with four awards expected. This funding will be distributed via cooperative agreements, ensuring close collaboration between the CDC and recipients. Eligible applicants encompass a broad range of organizations, including state and local governments, nonprofits, small businesses, tribal entities, public and private higher education institutions, and other qualified entities. No cost-sharing or matching requirements are specified for this program.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by April 8, 2025, no later than 11:59 PM ET. The application package is expected to be released on February 7, 2025, with awards anticipated on August 29, 2025. Projects under this NOFO are scheduled to begin on September 30, 2025.

This program represents a significant effort to enhance the DRC's public health infrastructure by supporting capacity-building at multiple levels. It offers a unique opportunity for eligible entities to contribute to global health security and strengthen partnerships for sustainable improvements in the prevention, detection, and response to health threats. Interested applicants are encouraged to design comprehensive projects that align with GHS goals and the specific needs of the DRC.