The Gates Foundation has launched a global call for proposals aimed at producing robust and comparable scientific estimates of the burden of diarrheal diseases in low- and middle-income countries. The initiative seeks to strengthen evidence-based decision-making in global health by supporting advanced epidemiological modelling and analytical approaches capable of generating reliable estimates on mortality and morbidity linked to diarrheal diseases, particularly among children under five years old. The programme encourages multidisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships to improve global health data and analytical capacities.
Why is this relevant for Lebanese universities?
This call provides Lebanese universities with an opportunity to strengthen their expertise in epidemiology, public health modelling, biostatistics, and global health research. It is particularly relevant for institutions seeking to participate in international health research consortia and develop advanced analytical capacities in health data science. The programme can also support the visibility of Lebanese researchers within major global health initiatives and collaborative scientific networks.
Scope of the call
- The programme supports:
- production of epidemiological estimates related to diarrheal diseases;
- country-level and pathogen-specific analysis;
- development of advanced modelling methodologies;
- comparative analyses using existing datasets;
- strengthening of analytical and research capacities in low- and middle-income countries.
- Projects are expected to:
- estimate mortality and morbidity associated with diarrheal diseases;
- focus particularly on children under five years old;
- generate robust and internationally comparable scientific data.
- Pathogens studied may include:
- rotavirus;
- cholera;
- E. coli;
- other diarrheal disease agents.
- Multidisciplinary and international collaboration approaches are strongly encouraged.
Eligibility
- Eligible applicants include:
- universities;
- research institutes;
- NGOs;
- public sector agencies.
- Organisations must be based in low- and middle-income countries or apply through partnerships involving eligible LMIC institutions.
- International consortia are permitted and encouraged where there is meaningful engagement from LMIC partners.
- Applicants should demonstrate expertise in:
- epidemiology;
- biostatistics;
- disease modelling;
- global health research.
Details
- Funding available: up to USD 1.5 million per project.
- Maximum project duration: 2 years.
- Deadline for submission: 16 June 2026.
- Official programme page: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/
Next steps
- Identify relevant faculties, public health departments, or research centres with expertise in epidemiology and health data analysis.
- Assess opportunities to join or build international research consortia focused on global health modelling.
- Begin preparing a detailed technical proposal, including methodology, datasets, expected outcomes, and institutional capacities.
- Explore partnerships with international organisations or LMIC research institutions to strengthen the application.
