Deadline: 23-Aug-2026
The ANeSA programme supports implementation research teams working on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in sub-Saharan Africa. It provides up to CAD 1.2 million per project for evidence-based, gender-transformative interventions focused on underserved populations. The two-stage funding process begins with a Letter of Interest, followed by a full proposal stage for selected applicants.
What is the ANeSA Programme?
The Addressing Neglected Areas of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in sub-Saharan Africa (ANeSA) programme is a research funding initiative supporting implementation science in SRHR.
It is designed to:
- Improve access to essential sexual and reproductive health services
- Strengthen rights-based and gender-transformative interventions
- Support underserved and vulnerable populations
- Generate evidence-informed solutions through implementation research
The programme focuses on translating research into practical, scalable health interventions.
Key Priority Areas
The ANeSA programme focuses on strengthening neglected areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR):
Family Planning and Contraceptive Services
- Improving access to modern contraception
- Expanding reproductive health service coverage
- Reducing barriers to family planning
Safe Abortion and Post-Abortion Care
- Expanding access to safe abortion where legally permitted
- Strengthening post-abortion care services
- Improving health system response and quality of care
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
- Ensuring youth-friendly SRHR services
- Expanding access for adolescents
- Promoting informed decision-making and education
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Response
- Preventing sexual and gender-based violence
- Strengthening survivor support services
- Improving healthcare and psychosocial response systems
Advocacy for SRHR
- Strengthening policy advocacy
- Promoting SRHR awareness
- Supporting rights-based health system reforms
Programme Objectives
The core objectives of ANeSA include:
- Developing sustainable SRHR interventions
- Generating evidence through implementation research
- Improving health system responsiveness
- Promoting gender equality and transformative approaches
- Enhancing access for underserved populations
- Strengthening advocacy and policy engagement
Funding Details
- Funding per project: Up to CAD 1.2 million
- Number of grants: Up to 6 projects funded
- Project duration: Up to 36 months
- Funding model: Competitive research grants
Two-Stage Application Process
The programme follows a structured selection process:
Stage 1: Letter of Interest (LOI)
- Initial application submission
- Screening of research ideas and teams
- Evaluation of relevance and feasibility
Stage 2: Full Proposal (by invitation only)
- Up to 12 selected applicants invited
- Support provided for proposal development
- Detailed technical and financial proposal submission
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants must be:
Implementation Research Teams (IRT)
- Multidisciplinary research teams
- Focused on implementation science in SRHR
Leadership Requirement
- Team must be led by a researcher based in sub-Saharan Africa
- Lead researcher must be affiliated with an eligible institution
Institutional Eligibility
- Institutions must be located in eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa
- Must meet funding partner requirements
Funding Partners
The programme is supported by:
- International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
- Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
What the Programme Supports
The ANeSA programme funds research and implementation activities such as:
- Development of SRHR service delivery models
- Community-based intervention design
- Health system strengthening research
- Gender-transformative programme evaluation
- Policy and advocacy research
- Scalable solutions for underserved populations
Why This Programme Matters
The ANeSA initiative addresses critical gaps in SRHR across sub-Saharan Africa by:
- Improving access to essential reproductive health services
- Reducing maternal and reproductive health inequalities
- Supporting adolescent health rights and education
- Strengthening response systems for gender-based violence
- Promoting evidence-based policy and health systems reform
- Advancing gender equality and human rights in healthcare
It bridges research, policy, and real-world health system implementation.
How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Form Research Team
- Assemble implementation research team
- Ensure leadership is based in sub-Saharan Africa
- Confirm institutional eligibility
Step 2: Identify Research Focus
- Select SRHR priority area
- Define intervention and target population
- Ensure gender-transformative approach
Step 3: Submit Letter of Interest
- Provide overview of research concept
- Highlight relevance, methodology, and feasibility
Step 4: Selection for Full Proposal
- Up to 12 teams invited
- Receive support for proposal development
Step 5: Full Proposal Submission
- Detailed research design and budget
- Implementation plan and outcomes framework
Step 6: Funding and Implementation
- Up to 6 projects funded
- Implementation over 36 months
- Monitoring and evaluation required
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak alignment with SRHR priority areas
- Lack of implementation research focus
- Not demonstrating gender-transformative approach
- Missing sub-Saharan Africa leadership requirement
- Poorly defined methodology or outcomes
- Insufficient institutional eligibility documentation
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define implementation research framework
- Demonstrate strong local leadership in sub-Saharan Africa
- Include gender-transformative and equity-based design
- Focus on scalable and sustainable solutions
- Use strong evidence base and data-driven approach
- Highlight policy relevance and impact potential
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the funding amount?
Up to CAD 1.2 million per project.
2. How many projects will be funded?
Up to 6 grants will be awarded.
3. What is the project duration?
Up to 36 months.
4. What is the first application stage?
A Letter of Interest (LOI) submission.
5. Who can apply?
Implementation Research Teams led by a researcher in sub-Saharan Africa.
6. What is the focus of the programme?
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in underserved populations.
7. Who funds the programme?
IDRC, Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and CIHR.
Conclusion
The ANeSA programme is a major international funding initiative supporting implementation research in sexual and reproductive health and rights across sub-Saharan Africa. By funding multidisciplinary research teams with up to CAD 1.2 million, it promotes evidence-based, gender-transformative solutions that improve access to essential health services, strengthen systems, and advance equity for underserved populations.
For more information, visit IDRC.
