€147 Million Available to Fund Global Health Research and Innovation in 2026

Global Health EDCTP3 has launched its 2026 Work Programme, offering up to €147 million in funding for research and innovation tackling tuberculosis, HIV, lower respiratory infections, and climate-related health challenges, with calls now open for global consortia.

A major opportunity has opened for researchers, institutions, and global health innovators as the Global Health EDCTP3 programme officially launched its 2026 Work Programme. With a total indicative budget of €147 million, the initiative aims to accelerate research and innovation addressing some of the world’s most pressing infectious disease and health system challenges. Calls for proposals are now open, marking a significant milestone in international collaboration for health advancement, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Global Health EDCTP3 is widely recognized for supporting multinational research partnerships that strengthen clinical research capacity and develop solutions for infectious diseases disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income regions. The 2026 funding programme continues this mission, with a strategic focus on tuberculosis (TB), lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), HIV, and emerging health threats driven by climate change.

A Strategic Investment in Global Health Innovation

The newly published Work Programme outlines six key research topics, structured under Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA). These calls are designed to drive scientific breakthroughs, strengthen health systems, and promote equitable access to innovations across regions most affected by infectious diseases.

By dedicating €147 million to these initiatives, EDCTP3 reinforces global commitment to tackling long-standing health challenges while preparing systems to respond to evolving threats. The programme encourages collaboration among academic institutions, research organizations, healthcare networks, policy bodies, and innovation partners worldwide.

Research and Innovation Actions: Advancing Medical Breakthroughs

Four Research and Innovation Action topics form the core of the 2026 funding strategy. These initiatives aim to generate new tools, therapies, and approaches for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The targeted research areas include:

Development of new or improved tuberculosis drugs for therapy and chemoprophylaxis in adults and children in sub-Saharan Africa
Prevention and treatment of lower respiratory tract infections in sub-Saharan Africa
Better prevention, treatment, and clinical management of HIV co-infections and co-morbidities
Addressing the global challenge of climate change and health in sub-Saharan Africa

A distinctive feature of these calls is the emphasis on global collaboration actions. This approach encourages co-funding from strategic partners and contributing institutions to support large-scale clinical studies and maximize research impact. By leveraging shared investment and expertise, EDCTP3 aims to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world health solutions.

Two-Stage Application Process for Research Consortia

Interested research consortia are invited to participate through a structured two-stage application process. The first stage requires submission of a short proposal by 4 March 2026. Successful applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal by 17 September 2026.

This phased approach allows applicants to refine project concepts, build strong international partnerships, and align proposed research with EDCTP3’s strategic objectives. The programme places strong value on multidisciplinary collaboration, scientific excellence, and long-term sustainability of health innovations.

Coordination and Support Actions: Strengthening Capacity and Systems

In addition to funding direct research, EDCTP3 recognizes the importance of building strong regulatory, ethical, and digital infrastructures to support healthcare innovation. Two Coordination and Support Action topics have been introduced for 2026:

Training and innovation networks for sustained capacity-building in ethics, regulatory systems, and pharmacovigilance, including digital regulatory platforms
Enhancing integrated research and healthcare through digital innovation and artificial intelligence in sub-Saharan Africa

These CSA calls follow a single-stage application process, with full proposals due by 31 August 2026. They are designed to reinforce the foundations that enable effective research implementation, strengthen healthcare delivery, and improve data-driven decision-making across health systems.

Info Day and Networking Opportunities

To support potential applicants, EDCTP3 will host an online Information Day on 5 February 2026. Participants who register for the event will gain access to a dedicated networking platform, facilitating meetings between prospective partners, research institutions, and collaborators. This initiative aims to simplify consortium-building and encourage cross-border cooperation.

Driving Impact Where It Matters Most

Sub-Saharan Africa remains a central focus of the EDCTP3 mission, reflecting the region’s significant disease burden and the need for locally led research solutions. By supporting clinical trials, innovation networks, and health system integration, the programme seeks to empower regional institutions, enhance scientific leadership, and promote equitable access to healthcare advances.

The 2026 funding cycle is expected to contribute substantially to the development of next-generation TB treatments, improved HIV management strategies, better responses to respiratory infections, and innovative approaches to climate-related health risks. Collectively, these investments aim to strengthen global preparedness, reduce mortality, and improve quality of life across vulnerable populations.

A Global Call to Researchers and Innovators

With calls now open, EDCTP3 invites research communities, policymakers, and healthcare innovators to take part in shaping the future of global health. The €147 million funding commitment signals a strong international resolve to transform scientific knowledge into tangible health outcomes.

As infectious diseases evolve and climate pressures intensify, collaborative research and innovation remain critical. Through strategic funding, partnership-building, and capacity development, the Global Health EDCTP3 Work Programme 2026 stands as a major catalyst for advancing health equity and scientific progress worldwide.