Strengthening Applied Epidemiology and Sustainable International Public Health Capacity through the Field Epidemiology Training Programs | CDC RFA GH15 16190401SUPP18

Opportunity Information: Apply for CDC RFA GH15 16190401SUPP18

The grant opportunity titled "Strengthening Applied Epidemiology and Sustainable International Public Health Capacity through the Field Epidemiology Training Programs" is a CDC Center for Global Health initiative aimed at building and sustaining a stronger public health workforce worldwide, with a particular emphasis on practical, field-based epidemiology skills. The core idea is that disease threats do not stay contained within national borders, and weaknesses in surveillance and response capacity in one country can quickly become a regional or global problem. In parallel with infectious disease risks, the opportunity also recognizes that non-communicable diseases remain a massive driver of death globally, reinforcing the need for stronger data systems and analytic capacity across the full range of health threats.

At the center of this funding is CDC support for Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs), which are service-oriented, competency-based training programs typically implemented in partnership with Ministries of Health. The CDC describes FETPs as a way to strengthen national public health systems by training epidemiologists through a hands-on "learning while doing" approach. Trainees (often called residents) gain structured instruction in topics like epidemiology, communication, economics, and management, and then apply those skills directly in the field through outbreak investigations, field surveys, surveillance system evaluations, and implementation of disease control and prevention measures. A major expectation of the model is that residents do work that directly supports the host country’s urgent public health priorities, communicate findings to decision-makers, and help train and mentor other health workers so capacity spreads beyond the immediate cohort.

The opportunity frames FETPs as contributing to stronger public health systems in four main ways. First, they increase both the number and the quality of field epidemiologists in the public health workforce, addressing a common shortage of personnel with practical epidemiologic experience. Second, they improve the ability of countries to detect, investigate, and respond to public health emergencies quickly, which is critical when outbreaks can escalate rapidly. Third, they strengthen the collection and use of public health data by improving disease surveillance systems and ensuring that data are analyzed and used effectively rather than simply collected. Fourth, they promote evidence-based public health decision-making and policy by translating surveillance and investigation findings into recommendations that leaders can act on, particularly in settings where routine decision-making may not be consistently data-driven.

A notable element of the program design is the emphasis on global and regional FETP networks. These networks expand CDC’s reach by supporting countries and trainees across broad geographies and by creating channels for information sharing among programs that face similar public health challenges. The networks are positioned to help FETPs learn from each other, coordinate approaches, maintain relationships among existing programs, and widen the influence of evidence-based public health practice by sharing lessons learned, tools, and effective training and surveillance strategies.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary cooperative agreement, meaning CDC is expected to have substantial involvement in the work rather than acting only as a funder. The agency is the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Global Health. The funding opportunity number is CDC RFA GH15 16190401SUPP18, and the CFDA number listed is 93.318. The posted award ceiling is $20,000,000, with an expectation of up to two awards. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), and other entities as allowed under additional eligibility guidance referenced in the notice. The original posting dates indicate a creation date of June 22, 2018 and an original application due date of August 1, 2018 (with electronic submissions due by 11:59 p.m. ET on the due date).

Overall, the opportunity is essentially about partnering with capable organizations to help countries build durable, locally rooted epidemiology capacity through FETPs, while also strengthening the broader ecosystem that makes those skills useful in practice: functional surveillance systems, rapid outbreak response operations, routine analysis and use of data, strong communication to leadership, and sustained collaboration across countries through regional and global networks. The CDC’s stated priority is not only training individuals, but also ensuring that the training translates into long-term improvements in national public health systems and preparedness.

• The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control - CGH in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Strengthening Applied Epidemiology and Sustainable International Public Health Capacity through the Field Epidemiology Training Programs" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.318.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 22, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 01, 2018 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 1159 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $20,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for CDC RFA GH15 16190401SUPP18

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