Climate change is placing growing pressure on health systems across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, prompting the launch of a new funding programme that backs locally led solutions.
- Climate change is placing growing pressure on health systems across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, prompting the launch of...
- The Nexa Climate and Health Innovation Funding 2026 call is now open, offering grants of up to US$2 million to...
- The Proof of Concept track provides grants of up to US$200,000 for early-stage ideas that require testing in real-world settings.
- The organisers state that the programme seeks innovations that can turn climate-related health risk information into timely action by local...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Africa health — everything you need to know is covered below.
The Nexa Climate and Health Innovation Funding 2026 call is now open, offering grants of up to US$2 million to organisations developing practical responses to climate-related health threats.
The initiative is jointly led by Grand Challenges Canada and the Science for Africa Foundation, alongside an international group of partners. It aims to support innovations that help health workers and communities respond more effectively to the health effects of extreme heat, poor air quality and mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.
Funding Available for Two Innovation Tracks
Nexa offers support through two funding streams. The Proof of Concept track provides grants of up to US$200,000 for early-stage ideas that require testing in real-world settings. The funding period for these projects ranges from 18 to 24 months.
The Transition to Scale track targets innovations that have already demonstrated promising results and are ready for wider implementation. Funding under this stream ranges from approximately US$250,000 to US$2 million, depending on each project’s maturity. Initial investments may run for up to 24 months.
The organisers state that the programme seeks innovations that can turn climate-related health risk information into timely action by local health providers, helping to reduce illness linked to environmental hazards.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include incorporated organisations such as companies, social enterprises, non-governmental organisations, non-profit bodies, and research or academic institutions.
For the Proof of Concept stream, organisations must be registered in an eligible African country or in Brazil, and projects must also be implemented there. For the Transition to Scale stream, organisations may be incorporated anywhere in the world, provided their projects are delivered in eligible countries across Africa, Latin America, or the Caribbean.
Individuals, sole proprietorships and unincorporated partnerships are not eligible to apply.
Priority Areas and Deadline
Applications must focus on at least one of two areas. These include climate-informed early warning and monitoring systems that help anticipate health risks and climate-responsive patient care that strengthens health services during climate-related events.
Priority health issues include malaria, dengue, heat-related illnesses, poor air quality, chronic diseases and pregnancy-related complications that are worsened by changing climate conditions.
Applications must be submitted through the Grand Challenges Canada Fluxx online portal no later than 22 July 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, equivalent to 6:00 p.m. UTC. The organisers will not accept submissions through any other channel.
The Nexa initiative was developed following global consultation with thousands of health and humanitarian workers to support locally driven solutions that strengthen health systems facing rising climate-related challenges.