Implementation Research for Strengthening Diabetes and Hypertension Care in Ghana

Deadline: 17-Dec-2025

The Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research and WHO Ghana invite proposals for a 12-month implementation research project to strengthen integrated care for diabetes and hypertension in Ghana’s primary health system. The research focuses on integrating WHO PEN protocols with digital health tools, including the NCD e-tracker, to generate policy-relevant evidence on feasibility, effectiveness, and scalability. Grants of up to US$100,000 are available, with proposals due by 17 December 2025.

Overview of the Research Opportunity

The project aims to generate strong, actionable evidence on how WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (WHO PEN) and digital health tools can be integrated into diabetes and hypertension care in Ghana’s primary healthcare (PHC) system. The research will evaluate the implementation of PEN protocols, assess digital tool functionality, and develop policy recommendations to inform Ghana’s national NCD strategy and broader regional learning.

Why It Matters

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and hypertension, are rising in Ghana and other low- and middle-income countries. Strengthening integrated service delivery using evidence-based protocols and digital tools can:

• Improve quality of care at the PHC level.

• Facilitate early detection and monitoring of NCDs.

• Enable data-driven decision-making for policymakers.

• Support the scale-up of digital health innovations in NCD management.

Who is Eligible?

• Research teams based in Ghana.

• Must include at least one Ghana Health Service policy-maker or implementer as a core team member.

• Teams must demonstrate gender balance (at least 50% women) and include junior/young researchers.

• Prior experience in implementation research and NCD/health systems work is required.

Research Scope and Objectives

The study will:

• Assess the feasibility, usability, functionality, adaptability, and acceptability of the NCD e-tracker among health workers and patients.

• Identify barriers and enablers to integration and scale-up of WHO PEN and digital tools.

• Generate policy-relevant recommendations for Ghana’s NCD strategy.

• Focus on rural PHC facilities from two regions participating in D-Card Africa, selected with WHO and the Alliance.

Study Population

• Healthcare workers delivering NCD services.

• Patients with diabetes and/or hypertension.

• NCD e-tracker developers.

• Health system stakeholders, including district/regional managers, Ghana Health Service policy-makers, and digital health officers.

Research Design and Methodology

• Mixed-methods implementation research combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.

• Use of an implementation science framework to assess service delivery and clinical outcomes.

• Collection of quantitative data for intervention and control facility comparisons.

• Collection of qualitative data via interviews, focus groups, and observations to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, barriers, and enablers.

• Emphasis on producing policy-relevant insights and actionable recommendations.

Grant Information

• Amount: Up to US$100,000.

• Duration: 12 months (February 2026 – February 2027).

• Deliverables: Policy briefs, technical briefs, dissemination workshops, academic publications emphasizing policy and practice, and engagement with stakeholders.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and embeddedness of the research design.

• Relevance to project objectives.

• Potential to influence policy and practice.

• Gender balance and inclusion of junior researchers.

• Value for money and feasibility of implementation.

How to Apply

1. Submit proposals exclusively through the Alliance’s online submission form.

2. Include PDF and Word versions of the full proposal and CVs of all team members.

3. Ensure submission before 17 December 2025, 23:59 CET.

4. Late submissions will not be accepted.

5. WHO reserves the right to modify, accept, reject, or negotiate proposals and award contracts based on organizational objectives.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Incomplete submissions: Ensure all required documents are uploaded.

• Ignoring eligibility criteria: Include Ghana-based teams, policy-makers, and demonstrate gender balance.

• Missing deadlines: Submissions after 17 December 2025 will be disqualified.

• Weak research design: Clearly outline mixed-methods approaches and implementation science frameworks.

FAQ

1. Who can lead the proposal?
Research teams must be based in Ghana and include at least one Ghana Health Service policy-maker or implementer.

2. What is the grant amount and duration?
Up to US$100,000 for 12 months (February 2026 – February 2027).

3. What methodologies are expected?
A mixed-methods implementation research design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches using an implementation science framework.

4. What deliverables are expected?
Policy briefs, technical briefs, dissemination workshops, stakeholder engagement, and academic publications with policy relevance.

5. When is the submission deadline?
17 December 2025, 23:59 CET.

6. Can proposals be modified after submission?
WHO may modify, accept, reject, or negotiate proposals at its discretion.

7. Who is the study population?
Healthcare workers, patients with diabetes and/or hypertension, e-tracker developers, and health system stakeholders including policy-makers and digital health officers.

Conclusion

This implementation research grant provides a strategic opportunity to strengthen integrated NCD service delivery in Ghana. By evaluating the integration of WHO PEN protocols with digital health tools, the project will generate policy-relevant evidence, inform national strategy, and support scalable solutions for diabetes and hypertension care in rural primary health care facilities.

For more information, visit AHPSR.