Deadline: 7-Aug-25
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Global Health division has launched an anticipatory call for implementation research projects in select African countries.
The goal is to reduce knowledge gaps in adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), build local capacity in implementation research, and generate policy-relevant evidence that leads to innovative, country-specific solutions.
This new initiative—tentatively titled Adolescents Thrive: African Adolescents Bolstered through Local Evidence (AABLE)—is centered on improving reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and especially adolescent health outcomes across Africa.
A particular emphasis is placed on promoting gender equality by responding to the unique ASRH challenges that each country faces.
AABLE aims to support locally led implementation research projects that address country-specific ASRH priorities and promote evidence-informed policymaking.
The initiative will fund projects that not only produce actionable evidence for effective gender-responsive ASRH programs but also strengthen knowledge-sharing across borders. Additionally, the initiative will enhance national capacity for producing, translating, and applying research in timely and strategic ways.
The program incorporates two complementary calls. The first is for an Africa-based evidence-use expert organization (AEO), which will build the capacity of research teams and policymakers in knowledge translation and collaboration.
The second is for research teams (RTs) undertaking action-oriented studies to understand and address gender and health inequities in adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
Applicants under the research team call are required to align proposals with national ASRH priorities and focus on at least one of four key themes:
Service Delivery Models – Explore how ASRH services can be integrated into health facilities, schools, and communities, improving access and quality of care tailored to adolescent needs.
Social, Economic, or Multisectoral Policy Interventions – Investigate policies tackling structural barriers like child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), or gender-based economic disparity, and assess their impact.
Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) – Strengthen data systems to improve evidence-based decision-making for adolescent health programming.
Digital Health Technologies – Assess how AI and other digital tools can extend the reach and impact of ASRH services, particularly for marginalized youth.
The initiative will fund up to eight projects, each receiving a maximum of CAD 692,000, with a duration of up to 30 months. Projects are expected to start by November 1, 2025, and include all research activities and final reporting within the timeframe.
To be eligible, applicants must be based in one of 13 eligible African countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Zambia, or Zimbabwe. Lead organizations must be legally registered and capable of contracting, managing funds, and conducting independent research.
Applicants may submit proposals individually or as part of a consortium (up to three organizations), but the lead institution must demonstrate capacity to manage funds across borders, if needed.
Each project must include a Principal Investigator (PI) who is a researcher based in sub-Saharan Africa and employed at an institution in an eligible country. Additionally, proposals must include at least one co-principal applicant who is a national-level decision-maker in ASRH.
In multi-country proposals, a relevant decision-maker is required from each participating country. These decision-makers will be integral to identifying research priorities and ensuring that findings are translated into actionable policies. Women and individuals from under-represented backgrounds in leadership roles are especially encouraged to apply.
Through this initiative, AABLE offers an opportunity to strengthen national systems, empower youth-focused health research, and ultimately improve adolescent wellbeing across Africa through evidence-based policy and practice.
For more information, visit IDRC.
