The Global Health Security Activity is a funding opportunity issued under the USAID/Philippines Mission as part of its Annual Program Statement (APS) No. 72049223APS00001. This initiative seeks to support the Government of the Philippines by strengthening the country's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threats. The activity aligns with USAID's Universal Health Care Project (UHCP), aiming to improve the health of underserved and vulnerable Filipinos through systemic enhancements. This effort is focused exclusively on local Philippine organizations, emphasizing a One Health, multi-sectoral approach to addressing infectious disease challenges.

The primary objectives of this initiative are to develop local capacity to handle infectious diseases effectively by integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts. It aims to bolster resilience against outbreaks such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and public health emergencies. The activity also contributes to international health security commitments, supporting policies outlined in Global Health Security Strategy, the National Security Strategy, and the National Biodefense Strategy. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly influenced this program, underscoring the need for stronger surveillance, laboratory capacity, infection prevention, and risk communication.

With an estimated funding of $21.6 million, the program is expected to run from 2025 to 2030, with the submission deadline for concept papers set for February 28, 2024. The funding will support regional, provincial, city, municipal, and barangay-level efforts, with a particular focus on National Capital Region (NCR), Region 3 (Central Luzon), and Region 4A (Calabarzon). It is designed to enable rapid deployment of resources in case of health emergencies and to strengthen coordination with local governments, healthcare providers, and international agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Eligible applicants are local Philippine organizations that can demonstrate a deep understanding of the national context and strong coordination capacity. While non-local entities can participate as subrecipients, the primary recipient must be a locally registered and managed entity. Applicants must also possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov. USAID explicitly prohibits application fees and warns against fraudulent activities.

The evaluation criteria will focus on the applicants' ability to align with USAID’s Global Health Security priorities, including technical capacity, workforce development, multi-sectoral coordination, and monitoring and evaluation systems. Selected applicants will proceed to a co-creation phase before full application submissions. Concept papers must include a technical approach, management and staffing plan, and institutional capability demonstration. The activity will be administered through a cooperative agreement, ensuring substantial USAID involvement throughout the implementation.

This funding opportunity represents a significant investment in the Philippines' health security infrastructure and seeks to empower local organizations to take a leading role in safeguarding the country against infectious disease threats.