The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a Call for Proposals to support the implementation and management of the World Hearing Day Small Grants Programme 2026. This initiative is part of WHO’s ongoing commitment to strengthening global awareness, prevention, and care related to hearing health.
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Background
The importance of preventing deafness and hearing loss, while promoting accessible ear and hearing care, has been recognized as a major global health priority. In 2017, the World Health Assembly unanimously adopted WHA70.13, a resolution calling on WHO and its Member States to intensify efforts toward addressing hearing loss worldwide.
As part of the resolution’s implementation, WHO developed the World Report on Hearing, which was officially launched on 3 March 2021. The report provides evidence-based recommendations and policy guidance aimed at improving hearing care systems, expanding early detection services, and strengthening prevention strategies globally.
Since the release of the report, WHO headquarters has been collaborating closely with its regional and country offices to ensure that its key recommendations are widely disseminated and effectively implemented. This work includes assessing national capacities for ear and hearing care services across Member States, strengthening health systems, and encouraging the integration of hearing care into broader health policies.
A major component of these efforts is World Hearing Day, observed annually on 3 March. The global campaign is designed to raise awareness about hearing loss, promote prevention strategies, and encourage individuals, communities, and governments to prioritize ear and hearing health.
World Hearing Day Small Grants Programme
To support grassroots engagement and awareness activities worldwide, WHO operates a Small Grants Competition Programme linked to World Hearing Day.
Through this programme, organizations, institutions, and partners are invited to apply for financial support to organize activities that promote the messages and goals of World Hearing Day. These activities may include community outreach events, awareness campaigns, screening initiatives, educational workshops, and advocacy efforts focused on hearing health.
Each year, a number of proposals are selected through a competitive evaluation process, with priority given to initiatives taking place in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of untreated hearing loss is often highest and access to hearing care services may be limited.
The programme aims to:
- Encourage innovative community-based awareness initiatives
- Expand access to hearing health education
- Promote early detection and prevention of hearing loss
- Strengthen advocacy for ear and hearing care services
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Purpose of This Call for Proposals
The Department for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) at WHO is seeking a qualified organization or service provider to support the administration and implementation of the World Hearing Day Small Grants Competition.
The selected organization will play a key role in ensuring the efficient coordination, review, and management of grant applications, helping WHO extend the reach and impact of the programme globally.
Expected Deliverables
The selected provider will be responsible for delivering the following tasks:
1. Development and Launch of the Call for Applications
- Prepare and publish a comprehensive call for applications for the World Hearing Day Small Grants Programme.
2. Application Management
- Manage and oversee the application process for grant submissions.
3. Review and Selection Coordination
- Facilitate the evaluation of applications.
- Coordinate the review and selection process in collaboration with WHO.
4. Disbursement of Grants
- Manage the financial process for distributing the small grants to selected awardees.
Required Components of the Proposal
Organizations interested in this opportunity must submit a proposal that includes the following:
- Statement of Interest outlining the organization’s experience and motivation for supporting the programme
- Cost Proposal detailing the financial requirements for delivering the project
- Examples of Relevant Work or Portfolio, demonstrating experience with similar programmes or grant management initiatives
- Detailed Project Timeline describing the key milestones and implementation schedule
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Submission of Proposals
Interested organizations are invited to submit their proposals electronically to the following email addresses:
Submission Deadline: 15 October 2026
All proposals must be submitted before the deadline to be considered.
This initiative represents an important opportunity for organizations with experience in grant management, global health programmes, and international development to collaborate with the World Health Organization in advancing awareness and action around ear and hearing health worldwide.
