Today, the UN Health4Life Fund launched its first call for proposals following an influx of resources announced in September 2023. This is a limited call to several countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In keeping with standard UN Multi Partner Trust Fund practice, the UN Country Teams in the identified countries are invited to submit concept notes through the UN Resident Coordinator.
“In line with Health4Life Fund policy, the country or countries where this funding will be directed are identified through a competitive process,” notes Nick Banatvala from the UN Health4Life Fund Secretariat. “The concept notes will be developed with the leadership of the relevant government ministry and the involvement of civil society, academia, or other non-State actors ensuring a solid multisectoral approach.” Countries can request up to USD 1 million over 3 years for catalytic investments for priority evidence-based interventions for NCDs and/or mental health.
The deadline for submission of concept notes is 16 February. The concept notes will be evaluated based on a set of key criteria defined within the Health4Life Fund operational guidance. The scored concept notes will be reviewed by the Health4Life Fund Secretariat and Participating UN Agency focal points and a recommendation will be shared with the Steering Committee at its upcoming meeting in March. The Steering Committee will discuss the merits of the concept notes and decide on one or more countries that will proceed to the full proposal development stage.
There is growing recognition that low- and middle-income countries need coordinated investment and technical support from the international community that aligns with their national agenda, strengthens country capacity, promotes local expertise, and enhances the efficient use of funds, ultimately leading to an increase in domestic health coverage for NCDs and mental health.
Health4Life Fund Steering Committee members and strategic partners, including WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, Kenya, Scotland, Thailand, and Uruguay, look forward to opening another grant cycle in the second half of 2024 subject to additional financial contributions to this important pooled fund from Member States and philanthropic organizations.
For more information, please contact unncdtaskforce@who.int