Deadline: 19-Nov-2025
TDR has opened a call for applications to fund implementation research that accelerates the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in eastern Africa. Up to four projects will receive a maximum of USD 25,000 each for 12-month studies focused on preparedness, epidemiology, vector ecology, health-system gaps, and population vulnerabilities. Eligible applicants must be researchers or health professionals from VL-endemic low- and middle-income countries with national programme support.
TDR Implementation Research Call: Advancing Visceral Leishmaniasis Elimination in Eastern Africa
Overview
TDR is inviting applications for targeted implementation research designed to support the regional effort to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis in eastern Africa. The call funds studies that generate new evidence, address operational barriers, and strengthen national VL elimination frameworks.
Why It Matters
Visceral leishmaniasis remains a major public health challenge in eastern Africa. This call aims to:
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Produce actionable evidence for national VL elimination strategies
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Strengthen institutional readiness for implementation research
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Understand population-level vulnerabilities and health system gaps
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Improve case detection, reporting, and vector control
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Support outbreak investigations and cross-border surveillance
Key Concepts
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL)
A life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies. VL elimination requires effective surveillance, timely diagnosis, access to care, and robust vector control.
Implementation Research
A research approach focused on understanding real-world health system barriers, improving delivery pathways, and strengthening national programmatic performance.
Regional VL Elimination Framework
A coordinated multi-country strategy that guides action across surveillance, case management, vector control, community engagement, and outbreak preparedness.
Priority Research Areas
Applicants must propose research in one or more of the following areas:
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Scoping reviews of VL research by endemic country
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Landscape analysis of implementation research capacity within endemic institutions
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Population vulnerabilities and key epidemiologic barriers to elimination
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Socioeconomic impacts of VL on affected households
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Health service access (pathways, delays, determinants)
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Screening programme alignment with standard case definitions and reporting barriers
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Vector identification and ecology, including distribution mapping
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VL outbreak investigations, including risk factor analysis
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Cross-border endemicity assessments between neighboring VL-affected countries
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
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Be based in low- or middle-income VL-endemic countries in eastern Africa
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Work within public health institutions, ministries of health, universities, research institutions, or NGOs
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Have demonstrated experience in implementation research, health systems, or infectious disease research
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Possess specific knowledge of visceral leishmaniasis management or control
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Provide a letter of support from the national VL control programme confirming alignment and endorsement
Funding Details
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Number of awards: Up to 4 projects
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Maximum funding per project: USD 25,000
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Project duration: Up to 12 months
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Funding purpose: New evidence generation; replication of existing findings is not supported
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
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Review the priority research areas and determine which aligns with your institutional expertise.
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Develop a research proposal that focuses on new evidence generation and addresses operational needs for VL elimination.
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Engage with the national VL control programme to discuss your study concept.
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Obtain a letter of support confirming endorsement and programme relevance.
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Prepare application documents, including objectives, methodology, budget, and institutional capacity summary.
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Submit the application through the specified TDR submission process before the deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Proposing research that reproduces existing evidence
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Submitting a concept without national programme endorsement
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Overly complex study designs for a 12-month timeline
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Budget inconsistencies or lack of justification
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Insufficient focus on implementation research methods
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Proposing research outside the defined priority areas
FAQ
1. Can applicants from non-endemic countries apply?
No. Only researchers from VL-endemic countries in eastern Africa are eligible.
2. Is previous experience with VL mandatory?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of VL management or control.
3. Can international partners be included?
Collaborations are allowed, but the lead applicant must be based in an eligible country.
4. Can proposals address more than one priority area?
Yes, but the scope must remain achievable within 12 months.
5. Is ethical approval required?
Most studies will require ethical clearance; applicants should plan for this in timelines.
6. Can funding cover equipment purchases?
Minor equipment or essential tools may be supported if justified, but large capital purchases are typically not funded.
7. What types of evidence are NOT accepted?
Research aimed at replicating or reproducing existing evidence will not be considered.
Conclusion
This TDR call provides a targeted opportunity for eastern Africa’s researchers to generate impactful evidence that advances visceral leishmaniasis elimination. By focusing on implementation research, institutional capacity, vector ecology, population vulnerabilities, and health system performance, the programme strengthens national and regional strategies for controlling and ultimately eliminating VL.
For more information, visit TDR.