Washington, D.C., 14 October 2025 ― The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is promoting a Call for Expression of Interest to host the Latin America and Caribbean regional hub of the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN). Interested institutions, centers, or consortiums are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submitting applications is 11 November 2025.
The GHHIN, co-hosted by the World Meteorological Organization and the World Health Organization, is a global and independent network composed of scientists, policymakers, and practitioners dedicated to building the capacity to protect populations from the increasing health risks of extreme heat in a changing climate. The Network promotes opportunities for decision-makers, public health officials, research and scientists to come together to innovate, share lessons, and collaborate on new strategies to protect vulnerable populations globally.
In 2024, the Network launched the first regional Hub located in Southeast Asia and hosted at the National University of Singapore Heat Resilience and Performance Center. With the support of Wellcome Trust, two additional regional network hubs are envisioned to be launched in 2025: in South Asia and in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
Through this Call for Expression of Interest, the Network aims to identify and select a leading and motivated institution, or consortium of institutions, to host a GHHIN regional hub in LAC. The Hub is expected to contribute to the network's mission and impact, while becoming a best-in-class platform for promoting heat related policy action, fostering transformational partnerships, and driving evidence-based policies to effectively manage extreme heat risks.
This ToRs specifies expectations of regional Hubs’ responsibilities and activities, selection criteria, and application eligibility requirements.
(The information below is a summary of the Terms of Reference ―ToRs― of this Call for Expression of Interest. You can find and download the required ToRs, forms and documents at the end. Please review them carefully before submitting).
LAC Regional Hub
According to the Terms of Reference for this Call, the Regional hub should promote and facilitate the aims of the Network, drive evidence-based interventions and policy for heat risk reduction and facilitate multi-disciplinary partnerships which empower regional stakeholders to take effective, life-saving actions.
Thus, the selected hub is expected:
- To be a leader in the field and should be able to engage.
- To convene partners from at least eight countries within the LAC region to promote transboundary representation, learning, and impact.
- To include representation from all three sub-regions (South America, Central America and the Caribbean).
Specifically, the hub should aim to foster:
- Shared Learning. Facilitate excellence in knowledge generation and the exchange of knowledge, data, and good practices among regional partners.
- Action-Oriented Initiatives. Inform local and regional policy change and implement practical interventions to mitigate heat risks.
- Capacity Building. Strengthen the skills and resources of local actors (e.g. NGOs, local authorities, media, researchers) to manage the impacts of extreme heat, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Stakeholder Diversity. Convene and empower stakeholders from different communities, including government, national meteorological services, ministries of health, researchers, civil society organizations, decision makers, development institutions, and private sector representatives.
Mandatory steps, selection criteria and process
The deadline for submitting EOIs is 11 November 2025 at 23:59 hrs EDT.
Interested institutions are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the form of a 20-page PDF document that outlines their suitability and vision for hosting a regional hub. Submissions will be reviewed based on their alignment with the selection criteria, technical expertise, regional collaboration potential, and proposed sustainability plans.
According to the Terms of References, candidate(s):
- Must be a registered legal entity able to receive international funding and comply with the financial reporting requirements of PAHO/WHO. This includes, not-for-profit and non-governmental organizations, governmental entities and institutes, universities, academic and research institutes, and private sector entities are all eligible to apply.
- Must comply with the WHO Framework of Engagement with Non- State Actors (FENSA).
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Technical Expertise & Relevant Experience: Demonstrated track record in heat-health, public health, stakeholder engagement, and regional initiatives.
- Approach & Methodology: Clear, innovative, and practical plan aligning with APW objectives and regional needs.
- Budget & Cost-Effectiveness: Feasibility, cost justification, and efficient allocation of resources.
- Value-Added Contributions: Additional insights, improvements, or innovative approaches to enhance project impact.
The final selection will be based on:
- Strength of the proposed governance and coordination mechanism.
- Institutional capacity and track record in heat health initiatives.
- Regional relevance and potential impact of the hub.
- Feasibility and sustainability of the proposed activities.
Duration: 36 months
The selected hosting institution will be formally notified and will enter into an agreement with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, on behalf of GHHIN to establish and operate the regional hub. The contract will be dispersed based on progress and agreed deliverable schedule. Duration of the grant is 36 months. The selected hub will be expected to immediately commence operations after approval.
