1. Awards focused on PEPFAR priority areas (Programmatic awards)
• 5-9 Awards to African institutions with project periods up to 5 years
  
2. Linked programmatic awards that support non-communicable diseases and priority health areas related to and beyond HIV/AIDS (Linked awards)
• 6 Awards to African institutions with project periods up to 5 years
  
3. Coordinating Center
• 1 Award to a U.S. institution with a project period of 5 years

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Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R03) grant

PAR-10-039:   http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-10-039.html

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages investigators to submit research grant applications that will identify, develop, and refine effective and efficient methods, structures, and strategies to disseminate and implement research-tested health behavior change interventions and evidence-based prevention, early detection, diagnostic, treatment, and quality of life improvement services into public health and clinical practice settings

The other Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health programs that may be of interest to them, so please pass on as well:

PAR-10-040 (R21):  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-10-040.html

PAR-10-038 (R01):  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-10-038.html

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Point-of-Care Diagnostics Grant Opportunity
The Bill and Melinda Gates is seeking innovative ideas for diagnostics in the developing world. $30 million in funding is available for Phase I of a new grant program to create technologies and components that can be used to assess multiple conditions and pathogens at the point of care in a variety of settings.
Specifically, we seek to create a new class of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics that will be easy to use, low cost and otherwise appropriate so that these new tools achieve significant impact and rapid uptake in resource-poor settings.
Letters of inquiry will be accepted December 1, 2009 through February 16, 2010.
http://www.grandchallenges.org/diagnostics/Pages/introduction.aspx

PhD studentships in support of Neglected Tropical Diseases
The Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases (CNTD), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), is pleased to announce funding for six (6) PhD fellowships (University of Liverpool registered). Applications are invited from nationals of lymphatic filariasis (LF) endemic countries in the Africa and Asia
http://apps.who.int/tdr/svc/grants/calls/lstm-phd-studentships

Research Infrastructure Support Programme (RISP)
Applications for funding open on 12/11/2009. All applications, validated by the respective institution's research administration or responsible person, must be submitted to the NRF no later than 15/01/2010.
http://www.nrf.ac.za/equipment/RISP/index.stm

Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R03)
A project period of up to two years and a budget for direct costs of up to two $25,000 modules, or $50,000 per year, may be requested
 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-10-039.html

Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R03)
PAR-10-040 (R21):  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-10-040.html

Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R03)
PAR-10-038 (R01):  http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-10-038.html

Dissemination, Implementation, and Operational Research for HIV Prevention Interventions (R01)
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-166.html   
Funding will vary based on the Application

Public Health Research on Children and Adults Living with Spina Bifida (U01)
The average award amount will be $300,000. An applicant may request a project period of up to three years. An applicant may request up to $300,000 for the first 12 month budget period. The approximate total project period funded amount is $900,000. The anticipated start date for new awards is September 28, 2010.
Expiration Date: February 27, 2010
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=50621

Tanzania Social Marketing Program (TSMP);
Request for Applications (RFA) Number USAID-TANZANIA-10-003-RFA Issuance Date:December 04, 2009, Closing Date: January 21, 2010, Closing Time: 16:00 East African Time click here

THE HIGHER EDUCATION FOR DEVELOPMENT (HED) - Africa-U.S. Higher Education Initiative Planning Grants
The Higher Education for Development (HED) has issued Africa-U.S. Higher Education Initiative Planning Grants. These awards are intended to support planning for long-term partnerships to strengthen the capacity of African higher education institutions in the areas of: (1) agriculture, environment and natural resources (2) health (3) science and technology (4) engineering (5) education and teacher training/preparation (6) business, management and economics. Deadline is 15th January, 2009. http://www.einaudi.cornell.edu/funding/displayindividual.asp?funding_id=311

Request for Applications: Practitioner Learning Program on Reaching Scale in Youth Financial Services 
Deadline for Submission:  14 December 2009
The SEEP Network, together with the MasterCard Foundation, is pleased to announce the Request for Applications for a new practitioner learning program on scaling up financial services for youth. 
http://www.seepnetwork.org/Pages/YouthFinServicesPLP.aspx

ROCKEFELLER BROTHERS FUND — Sustainable Development Program. The fund supports endeavors to address such challenges as depletion of essential resources, global warming, rapid loss of biodiversity, and accelerating degradation of Earth’s life support systems. There is open deadline.
http://www.rbf.org/programs/programs_show.htm?doc_id=472517

IDRC’s Global Health Research Initiative.
Deadline: 20 January 2010. Canada/Low-and-middle income countries
Link: http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-147969-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html

Women Deliver 2010 Conference:
Women Deliver 2010 is a conference about women at the economic heart of the developing world. Deadline: 15 December 2009
http://www.womendeliver.org/conference2010/scholarship.htm

Bill Gates Foundation Building innovative public libraries for developing countries
Deadline: 28 February 2010
http://www.eifl.net/cps/sections/services/plip/proposals/proposals

Funding for Land security and access
The Global Land Tool Network (GLTN) is calling for proposals to support grassroots initiatives working to improve secure land access for poor women and men.
click here

Call for Proposals: UBS Optimus Foundation
Deadline: 30 November 2009
The Project focuses on two core areas, "Education and Child Protection" and "Global Health Research", the foundation aims to finance high-quality, innovative, impactful projects around the world.
http://www.ubs.com/1/e/wealthmanagement/optimusfoundation.html

United Nations Democracy Fund.
Fourth Round of Funding is open for applications from 16 November to 31 December
http://www.un.org/democracyfund/index.htm

Weinstein International Fellowship in Conflict Resolution
Opportunities for individuals from outside the United States to visit the U.S. to learn more about dispute resolution processes and practicies and to pursue a project of their own design. Deadline: 15 January 2010. Fellowships are 1 month to a year with an award up to $25,000 U.S.
http://www.jamsadr.com/weinstein-fellowship/

GCST Grant Call for Civil Society Professionals and Researchers
The 2nd Small Grants Call (January-November 2010) for researchers, professionals, activists or practitioners from civil society organizations in developing countries...Research on the subject has to be carried out with the grant support from January 2010 onwards. Deadline 15 December 2009.
http://www.securitytransformation.org/small_grants.php

The US Department of State’s DRL;
The US Department of State’s DRL is requesting Statements of Interest prior to proposals for projects that promote international religious freedom. Deadline: 21 December 2009.
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/p/130236.htm

Online Training on Disability, Sexuality and Rights 
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Application deadline: 18 December 2009
http://web.creaworld.org/home.asp

UN Voluntary Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery.
The next call for proposals to fund projects for the year 2011 has been issued. The deadline to submit them is 31 March 2010.
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Slavery/Pages/SlaveryFundMain.aspx

2010 STARS Impact Awards.
Applications are now open for the 2010 STARS Impact Awards, recognizing outstanding organizations working in children's health, education and protection. Applicants in Africa, the Middle East, Asia or Pacific are invited to apply. Applications due: 19 January 2010.
http://www.starsfoundation.org.uk/

European Commission funding for building skills and increasing employment in low income countries
The deadline to submit the concept notes is 25 January 2010
cclick here

The European Commission launches a call for proposal, under the Trans-European cooperation scheme for higher education Tempus IV, for the reform of higher education through international university cooperation, whose main objective will be to contribute towards facilitating cooperation in the field of higher education among Member States of the European Union (EU) and partner countries in the surrounding area. Tuesday, March 09, 2010: Deadline for the presentation of proposals
http://euroalert.net/en/calls.aspx?idc=1873

COMPTON FOUNDATION—Population and Reproductive Health Program
The aims of the program are to achieve a healthy planet, ensure and improve access to family planning and reproductive health services within the U.S., and make emergency contraception a widely accepted and available method of family planning in the U.S. and internationally. Deadline is March 7th, 2009
http://www.einaudi.cornell.edu/funding/displayindividual.asp?funding_id=88

Nominations Currently Being Accepted for the 2010 Archbishop Tutu Fellowship 
The goal of the African Leadership Institute (AfLI) is to nurture and enhance leadership capability across Africa.
http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/fundraising/60039

EC’s ‘Good Health for All’ has Grants for NGOs for Advocacy and Strengthening of Health Systems and Policies
The EC will give stronger preference to countries which face a severe shortage of healthcare professionals especially in East and Central Africa. Budget: The minimum and maximum amounts to be proposed are €300,000 and €1,500,000. This is a restricted call for proposals, which means only Concept Notes have to be initially submitted by all applicants, following which full proposals will be requested from shortlisted applicants. The deadline for the submission is 8 January 2010
click here

 Jonathan Mann Grant for Global Health and Human Rights
The Grant not only provides international recognition, but also carries substantial funding which can be used by the winner to work further in the area of health and human rights freely and creatively. The winner will be announced and honored in Washington, D.C. at a special Awards Ceremony during the Global Health Council’s 37th Annual International Conference, June 14-18, 2010. Nominations can be submitted online. The deadline to submit the nominations is 15 January 2010.
http://www.globalhealth.org/forms/conf2010/jonathan_mann_award_nomination/

Award for Creative Women and Women’s Groups
WWSF (Women’s World Summit Foundation) is inviting nominations to award prizes to women and women’s groups around world. The nominees for the prizes should be those women who have contributed towards the improvement of the quality of life of rural communities by applying exceptional creativity, commitment and courage.

Nearly 20 prizes will be distributed to winners and each of the prizes carries a cash award of $1000. In addition to this, one women’s organization from Africa will receive a cash donation of $3000. Only nominations are invited and all nominators should have direct knowledge and understanding of the work undertaken by the nominee. Women and women’s groups active in their work but have not received any awards are encouraged to be nominated for the prizes here.
§         The deadline to submit nominations for the 2010 Award is 31 March 2010.
http://www.woman.ch/june09/women/1-introduction.php#5

USAID Funding Opportunity for International NGOs working on Family Planning
USAID is seeking concept papers from international organizations working on family planning (FP) projects in countries prioritized by the agency. The purpose of this call is “to increase the use of FP services globally through strengthening selected international family planning organizations which have a global reach and an extensive, multi-country network of FP clinics, in order to achieve maximum program impact and synergies.” Both US-based and non-US organizations are invited to submit applications. The total funding allocation for the program is around $40 million. USAID will conduct two rounds for accepting concept papers. The first round will end on 30 November 2009 and the second round will end of 4 February 2009. After reviewing the concept notes, USAID will seek detailed proposals from selected applicants. click here

Western Union Foundation Announces New Scholarship Program for Immigrant Families. Deadline: February 5, 2010

PEP Accepting Proposals from Developing Country Researchers to Study Poverty
Under the 2010 Competition for Research Grants, the Poverty and Economic Policy (PEP) Research Network is requesting developing country researchers to submit proposals to undertake studies on poverty issues. There are grants available of up to CAN $50,000 to each project proposed.
Proposals have been requested mostly from poor and developing countries. Proposal format and checklists are available at the PEP website. The deadline to submit proposals is 6 January 2010.
http://www.pep-net.org/funding/call-for-proposals/

USAID Call for funding for “Strengthening Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Responses in East and Central Uganda”
Target: CBOs/ NGOs/ CSOs in Bugiri, Iganga, Kaliro, Kamuli, Mayuge, and Namutumba
Amount: 26million Uganda Shillings
Contact STAR-EC Head Office
Kiira Lane, Plot 10 Mpumudde Division Jinja. P. O Box 829 Jinja

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GAIA LUONI PRIZE 2009

EURO 10.000,00

The Gaia Luoni Fund was created within the framework of activities of the Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti in memory of Dr. Gaia Luoni, a young researcher prematurely passed away. The Fund, a donation by Gaia Luoni’s family, finances the Gaia Luoni Prize of 10.000,00 Euros awarded annually to support leading young researchers who made an outstanding contribution to the field of Genetics of malaria

APPLICATIONS for the GAIA LUONI PRIZE 2009

• Applicants must have received a University degree not earlier than 27 July 2003;

• On line submissions and/or paper submissions signed in original by the applicant must be sent to the Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti (address given below) by July 27 2009;

• Applicants must include: (i) a curriculum vitae; (ii) an official certificate of their University degree, and documentationattesting if they received a PhD (if available); (iii) a scientific project in the relevant field (max 20.000 characters);(iv) a list of publications; (v) any other information or document useful for the evaluation of their training andachievements.

•The Prize will be assigned following evaluation by an international Committee nominated by the Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti. The decision of the Committee is definitive, and its report will be notified to Gaia Luoni’sfamily as well as to other contributors to the fund.

•The Gaia Luoni Prize 2009 will be presented to the awardee on the occasion of the Istituto Pasteur Science Days that will be held in Rome on October 9th and 10th 2009 on Liver development and disease.

•The awardee is requested to aknowledge the contribution of the Gaia Luoni Prize in any publications relevant to theproject carried out.

Postal address:

Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti Sapienza Università di Roma,
P.le Aldo Moro,
5 - 00185 Roma (Italy)

E-mail address: pasteurcenci@uniroma1.it

download pdf 167k

Posted: 06/07/2009

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Johns Hopkins-Fogarty African Bioethics Training Program

Call for Applications for Research Ethics Capacity Development for African Institutions

The Johns Hopkins-Fogarty African Bioethics Training Program (FABTP) is pleased to announce the launch of a capacity development program in research ethics for institutions within Africa. The Johns Hopkins-Fogarty African Bioethics Training Program is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Fogarty International Center (FIC), and is directed by faculty of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics.

FABTP now seeks applications from eligible African institutions for a funded collaborative partnership in international research ethics. The goal of the training partnership is to enhance research ethics capacity within the selected African institution. Applicant institutions must meet institutional eligibility requirements outlined below. The training partnership will occur over a 12-month period beginning October 2009, with continued guidance and opportunities for collaboration thereafter. The program will support the capacity development of one African institution per year for each of the next three years; a new announcement will call for applications each year.

Specifically, through this capacity development partnership, the selected African institution will receive:

• One-year training opportunities in research ethics at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) for two selected investigators, ethics committee members, or staff. Trainees will spend six months at JHU completing graduate training in research ethics, observing ethics committees, and receiving intensive mentoring. Trainees will then spend six months back in their home countries completing a funded practicum project related to research ethics. This training opportunity provides tuition, travel, housing, per diem allowance, and laptop computers for individual trainees.
• One-month intensive training opportunities in research ethics at Johns Hopkins University for two additional investigators, ethics committee members, or staff;
• One short-term training workshop in research ethics, held at the African institution, and co-taught by JHU and African faculty.
• Consultations between JHU faculty and senior officials in the African institution to address integration of research ethics into organizational structures for sustainability.
• Long-term mentorship of individuals who participate in the training program.
• Identification of networking opportunities for continued professional development within research ethics.

Institutional Eligibility Requirements:

• Eligible institutions include universities, hospitals, non-governmental organizations and governmental institutions that fund, regulate, conduct, oversee, or provide training related to health research with human beings.
• Institutions must be based in the African region of the World Health Organization (WHO). Please click here for country listings.
• Institutions, selected trainees within institutions, and officials must be highly competent in English.

To Apply:

To request an institutional application or additional information, please email fabtp@jhsph.edu
The institutional application deadline is the 10th of August 2009.

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated commitment from institutional leadership to promote and sustain a long-term program in the ethics of human research.
• Ability to host a training workshop and provide in-kind contributions of space, logistical assistance (staff, audio-visual, etc.) for this workshop.
• Evidence of or commitment to future teaching or activities in human research ethics.
• Evidence of existing high-quality program of health research, including HIV research. Documentation of existing international partnerships or collaborations in health research.
• Identification of individual researchers, ethics committee members, or staff from within the institution who (a) have relevant background in research and ethics and (b) meet requirements for graduate coursework at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

* Please note that only one institution will be selected per year.

Posted: 12 June 2009

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THIRD AMANET CALL FOR CAPACITY STRENGTHENING OF AFRICAN MALARIA RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
There are intensified global efforts towards malaria control in the world and particularly in Africa. The main strategy is to use together several effective interventions for treatment and prevention. The search for malaria vaccine has in the last decade gained an increased impetus. The success of vaccination against other communicable diseases is convincing enough to increase our attention and capacities towards the search for an effective malaria vaccine.

Overall, there are several malaria vaccine candidate molecules at various stages in the development pipeline. A few of these having reached clinical testing stages, which of necessity require to be tested in malaria endemic African populations – since this is where the burden of disease is greatest. There are yet very few African-led and African owned institutions with the capacity and technical ability to undertake malaria vaccine trials. Although some have now successfully conducted studies at Phase Ib – IIb, they remain too few in numbers to handle the multiple evaluations options inherent in the development of vaccines. Additional sites are being required to provide varied epidemiological profiles of malaria transmission and enable series of tests such as with age de-escalation towards and including the target populations. In recognition of these challenges, the African Malaria Network Trust (AMANET) has since 2004, endeavoured to support holistic development of selected African institutions to build their capabilities for the necessary trials of candidate malaria vaccines.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
This is the third AMANET call intended to assist additional two African malaria research institutions to develop capacity for conducting malaria vaccine trials at phase Ib and possibly IIb where applicable. This grant which may last 1-3 years should allow a research institution which is strategically placed, but is incapacitated by infrastructural weaknesses, inadequate skilled personnel, lack of equipment, or/and including inadequate epidemiological characterization of their potential field sites, to attain the requisite capacities. The institution will be expected to undertake such activities to upgrade itself, together with wholesome characterization of its intended field sites.

Interested institutions should submit a detailed up to three pages letter of intent. The letter should outline expected objectives and a plan to meet these objectives within the life of such a project. It is important to show how limiting weaknesses will be overcome through this grant i.e. technical human resources, poor infrastructure, essential equipments, functioning of scientific and ethical review bodies, capacity to care for research participants, etc. In addition to the above considerations, applying institutions must clearly demonstrate; i) the existence of national commitment to their development, such as within the framework of the Ministry of Health in their country, and ii) that it is both African- led and  owned.   

Only applications submitted by institutional heads/leaders will be considered.

How to apply
Completed applications with the above requirements must be sent by e-mail and received at the AMANET secretariat by 15th June 2009.

All applications must be directed to:

The Managing Trustee,
African Malaria Network Trust (AMANET),
302 Ring Street, Off Garden Road, Mikocheni A,
P.O Box 33207,
Dar es Salaam,  Tanzania.
E-mail: info@amanet-trust.org
Tel: + 255-22-2700018, Fax: + 255-22-2700380.

Short listed institutions will be requested to submit a detailed proposal by 31st   July 2009.

Travel Grants for Developing Country Vaccine Researchers

A travel grant program for airfare, registration, meal and hotel expenses is available for attendance and poster presentation at the 12th Annual Conference on Vaccine Research (ACVR, Baltimore, MD, 27-29 April 2009) by researchers from developing countries.  The online application deadline is 7 December 2008 for such scholarships and the related poster abstracts.

Information about the 2009 travel grants is available here: http://www.nfid.org/pdf/conferences/vaccine09travel.pdf  The conference website is at:  http://www.nfid.org/conferences/vaccine09 

At the 11th ACVR in 2008, 15 poster abstracts were accepted and travel grants awarded.  They are listed as posters P1 to P15 on nominal pages 31 to 33 (actual pp. 32-34 of 106), and their abstracts on pages 71-76 (actual 72-77), of the Final Program and Abstracts Book, available at:
http://www.nfid.org/pdf/conferences/vaccine08abstracts.pdf

Examples of prior travel grant award abstracts are:

2007 10th ACVR (posters P1 to P24):
http://www.nfid.org/pdf/conferences/vaccine07abstracts.pdf

2006 9th ACVR (asterisked posters on nominal pages 26 to 39):
http://www.nfid.org/pdf/conferences/vaccine06abstracts.pdf

Call for Letters of Interest

Azithromycin-chloroquine (AZCQ) in an Intermittent Preventive Treatment                     of Malaria in Pregnancy (IPTp) Phase III study

Due: Friday 12 September 2008

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and Pfizer invite letters of interest (LOI) to participate in a Phase III efficacy, and safety study of azithromycin-chloroquine fixed dose combination (AZCQ) versus sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for the intermittent preventive treatment of P. falciparum malaria during pregnancy (IPTp). This study will be a pivotal study in the registration of AZCQ for IPTp

The target start date for the study is the beginning of the 2nd Quarter 2009, with the recruitment phase of 18 to 24 months.

Background

Important progress has been made in Africa with the introduction of a preventive strategy for malaria in pregnancy consisting of IPTp. SP is the current standard of care for this indication, but development of safe, efficacious and affordable alternatives for IPTp is one of the main priorities for the control of malaria in pregnancy.

AZCQ is being developed for intermittent preventive treatment of falciparum malaria in pregnant women. AZCQ has demonstrated efficacy, safety and tolerability in two phase III clinical studies in the treatment of symptomatic uncomplicated malaria in adults in sub-Saharan Africa. Both azithromycin and chloroquine are considered safe in pregnant women as individual agents.

The proposed study is a Phase III clinical trial comparing AZCQ with SP, for use in the IPTp.  The protective efficacy of AZCQ in pregnancy against sexually transmitted Infections (STI), and respiratory infections (RTI) will also be evaluated. 

Study summary:

• AZCQ will be compared with SP in a multi-centre, open label, randomised study.
• The study will be conducted at 5-10 sites across East and West Africa.
• The study will be conducted in out-patients
• This study will enrol pregnant women (primigravidae to multigravidae) in second trimester (> 16 to < 26 weeks).
• An approximate total of 4,000 women will be enrolled.
• AZCQ dosing will be as a single daily dose for three days.
• SP dosing will be single dose for one day
• Each subject will receive 2-4 courses of preventive treatment depending upon the timing of the first and subsequent visits.
• All doses will be given under observation. First dose of each treatment course will be given at the ANC clinic. Second and third doses of AZCQ will be given by field worker(s) during the home visits.  
• Subjects will be followed up monthly, at delivery and 28 days after delivery

The study objectives are:

• Efficacy, to establish non inferiority of AZCQ over SP in proportion of subjects with low neonatal birth-weight (<2,500 g)
• Safety and tolerability (AE and SAE reporting)
• Population pharmacokinetics

Who should apply

LOI are expected from African research institutions, scientists, research clinics and health care facilities where pregnant women are seeking antenatal care, where capacity for follow-up and delivery of pregnant women and laboratory facilities exist.

Selection process

Responses to this call for LOI will be reviewed by a panel of Pfizer, LSHTM and MMV staff to short-list potential sites to participate. A second round of information will be requested by Pfizer from short-listed sites specifically related to the study protocol and Good Clinical Practices (GCP) compliance. Based on that information Pfizer team may visit the sites for pre-trial assessment and final site selection.      

How to apply

LOI should be 6-8-pages long, in English or French, providing all the following information:

• Name of principal investigator with telephone, fax and e-mail address
• Brief description of the research team/institution and collaborators
• Prior clinical trial experience/ ICH-GCP inspection history / on-going study commitments that may conflict with proposed studies
• Certification in ICH-GCP training, if available
• Information on regulatory / Ministry of Health / ethics committee application process & timelines
• Standard of care in the country for prophylaxis (IPTp) and treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria during pregnancy
• Level of  resistance to chloroquine in the region (if available)
• Level of resistance to SP in your region (if available)
• Description of current infrastructures:
• antenatal clinic (ANC) and bed facilities
• number of pregnant women seen in the ANC
• laboratory facilities (parasitology, haematology, biochemistry)
• laboratory technique used to routinely evaluate parasitaemia (please provide a short description of the technique(s) used
• any lab accreditation or quality control programme that the lab participates in or any previous lab audit(s) and outcome(s)
• Evidence of malaria season(s). A table needs to be provided within the number of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria cases collected in the proposed site by month during 2 years from January 2006 to December 2007 (if not yet available from January 2005 to December 2006)
• It would also be helpful if you could confirm that your ministry of health would support the study.
• Top-line estimated cost per patient at your facility and a draft budget justification

LOI should be returned by e-mail or hardcopy no later than Friday 12 September 2008 to:

Pfizer address:

AZCQ IPTp study
c/o Dr. Richa Chandra
Development Team Leader, Malaria Program
Senior Director, Infectious Diseases, Pfizer Global R&D
50 Pequot Avenue, MS: 6025-B3112
New London, CT 06320, USA

E-mail: richa.s.chandra@pfizer.com
Phone: 001-860-732-5532
Mobile: 001-860-501-3836

Call for Letters of Interest
Multilateral Initiative on Malaria in Africa (MIM)
Research grant applications to be considered in March 2009

Introduction
The Multilateral Initiative on Malaria was created with the overarching goal to strengthen and sustain the capability of malaria endemic countries in Africa to carry out research required to develop or improve tools for malaria control1. The United Nations Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) at the World Health Organization in Geneva coordinate the MIM research capacity strengthening grant programme.

TDR's current vision and strategy is designed to "foster an effective global research effort on infectious diseases of poverty in which endemic countries play a pivotal role". Details of the new strategy and the business plan can be found on the TDR website at:
http://www.who.int/tdr/about/strategy/strategy_06.htm . MIM/TDR grants are administered within the frame work of the TDR strategy and Empowerment business line.  The overall objective of this business line is to develop excellence and leadership in health research and decision making so that high quality institutional and national systems can identify and manage research priorities.

Since 1998, the MIM/TDR programme has awarded 70 research grants to 59 principal investigators in 19 sub Saharan countries. These research grants have generated new knowledge on malaria and improved control strategies; enhanced the  research environment and infrastructure; and in some cases evolved to become components of global research networks supported by other organizations. The results from these research grants have been documented in over 100 scientific peer reviewed publications2. 

MIM/TDR works with the MIM secretariat at AMANET, Tanzania (www.mimalaria.org) and other partners (MIMCom www.nlm.nih.gov/mimcom and MR4 www.mr4.org ) to consolidate these grants.

The call
The effective use of malaria control tools and strategies in endemic areas results in significant reductions in malaria morbidity and mortality and interruption of local mosquito-borne malaria transmission.  There is now renewed expectation of  sustained effective control and possible elimination of the disease. The evolution and spread of resistance to drugs or insecticides along with failures in delivery systems however remain ever present threats in endemic areas.  The need for a critical mass of researchers and institutions in Africa able to contextualize threats against effective malaria control and carry out research required for innovative and rapid responses to these threats remain clear and pressing. TDR on behalf of the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria (MIM), invites proposals for malaria research capacity strengthening grants to be hosted in African research, academic or public health institutions from 2010. The proposals must:

1. lead to the development of African scientific and public health leadership, and institutions with the capacity for high quality malaria research
2. address a specific challenge of malaria in Africa. 

It is anticipated that up to 3 new grants will be awarded in early 2010 and funded for up to three years with a maximum annual budget of US$ 70,000. Progress will be evaluated annually and the grants may be renewed depending upon satisfactory reports.  Proposals may be based on investigator initiated novel ideas on topics of relevance to the current malaria situation in Africa or studies complementing other ongoing research programmes in Africa.   

Who can apply?
African investigators who:-

1. Work in research, academic or public health institutions in Africa.
2. Have experience in malaria research evidenced by peer reviewed scientific publications in the subject matter of the proposed research
3. Have national, regional or international research collaboration.

Individuals enrolled for academic degrees (e.g. Masters or Doctorate) are not eligible to apply.

How to apply
Selection of successful candidate will involve a two step process.  The first step is the call for letters expressing interest in submitting a grant application. The letters of interest (LOI) will be evaluated based on scientific merit and relevance of the proposed idea, the potential contribution to development of research leadership in the host country and feasibility of the proposed work. The 10 most promising ideas will be developed by the investigators and submitted as full proposals.

The letter of interest not exceeding 3 pages, must contain the following information:-

1. Project title
2. Full name, title, qualifications and current position of the principal investigator
3. Scientific objectives and rationale
4. Study design and methods
5. Expected results and milestones towards their achievement
6. List and roles of investigators and research institutions involved
7. A brief description of the institutions involved and type of research capacity to be developed through the project
8. Estimated annual budget for the duration of the project
9. Other available support / capacity strengthening activities, added value of the MIM/TDR grant
10. List of 10 most relevant scientific publications by the principal investigator

Applications involving institutions with access to support for capacity building through other United Nations or International development agencies are strongly encouraged. Such support should be indicated with a clear explanation of the added value of the MIM/TDR grant.

The LOI must be submitted by e mail attachment as a "Word" (*.doc) file no later than 15 September 2008 to mimtdr@who.int with copy to harlleyp@who.int. Authors of short listed letters of intent will be notified within 7 days of  the deadline and invited to a proposal development workshop scheduled for 20 - 24 October 2008 in Abuja, Nigeria.
 

For additional information on the call for LOIs, please contact Dr Olumide Ogundahunsi:
ogundahunsio@who.int

THIRD ROUND OF MALARIA ADVOCACY INNOVATION GRANTS (AFRICA AND ASIA)

Malaria Consortium is now accepting applications for its Malaria Advocacy Innovation Grants. Applications are invited from African and Asian community based organisations, non-governmental organisations, media organisations/institutions, and individuals (within institutions/sponsored by organisations only) who are actively working towards engaging civil society actors and the public through innovative activities such as advocacy campaigns, forums, networks, music, art, film or media related projects. Deadline to submit proposals is Monday 16 June 2008.

The application form is available English at www.mobilising4malaria.org and http://www.ethiopia.coalitionagainstmalaria.org/

TROISIĖME SĒRIES DE SUBVENTIONS POUR INNOVATIONS DANS LE PLAIDOYER CONTRE LE PALUDISME

Malaria Consortium reçoit actuellement les candidatures pour des Subventions pour Innovations dans le Plaidoyer contre le Paludisme. Les demandes sont invitées de la part des organisations communautaires, non-gouvernementales, des médias, et des individus (au sein d’institutions ou sponsorisés par une organisation) en Afrique et en Asie, s’engageant dans la mise en place d’activités innovantes destinées à accroître l’implication de la société civile et de l’opinion publique par exemple au travers de campagnes d’information, de forums, de réseaux, ou de projets musicaux, artistiques, cinématographiques ou médiatiques, seront acceptées.

Les candidatures doivent être remises au plus tard avant le lundi 16 juin 2008.

Le formulaire à remplir est disponible à www.mobilising4malaria.org et http://cameroon-fr.coalitionagainstmalaria.org/

Delphine Valette
International Advocacy Coordinator
Malaria Consortium Worldwide
  
Tel:+ 44 (0)20 7549 0218 (Direct line)
      + 44 (0)20 7549 0210
Fax:+ 44 (0)20 7549 0211

European Malaria Vaccine Development Association

Call for Proposals
Call for Selecting New Potential Malaria Vaccine Candidates and the Developing Institutions to Enter into EMVDA

The purpose of the present call is to invite the scientific community to submit a proposal on the clinical testing of a malaria blood stage candidate vaccine. Institutions developing selected candidates will enter into the EMVDA programme, and be encouraged to enter the preclinical comparative platform. As part of the EMVDA programme institutions will be eligible to respond to an internal call for GMP production and phase 1 clinical trials. Further information on the call and procedures can be found at http://www.emvi.org/emvda+home/calls.

Development of Novel Interventions and Tools for the Control of Malaria, Neglected Tropical Diseases and their Vectors (R01)
Call for Applications by NIH

Key Dates
Release/Posted Date: March 7, 2008
Opening Date: June 10, 2008 (Earliest date an application may be submitted to Grants.gov)
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): June 10, 2008
NOTE: On-time submission requires that applications be successfully submitted to Grants.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. local time (of the applicant institution/organization).
Application Due Date(s): July 10, 2008
Peer Review Date(s): November, 2008
Council Review Date(s): January 2009
Earliest Anticipated Start Date(s): May 2009
Additional Information To Be Available Date (Activation Date): Not Applicable
Expiration Date: July 11, 2008

More information about this grant opportunity is found here:http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AI-08-005.html

EMVI 2007 Call for Proposals: Development and Clinical Testing of Candidate Molecules Towards Experimental P. falciparum Malaria Vaccines

Deadline for submission: Friday 23 November 2007, 17:00 hours

Download Application Form

EMVI’s mission is

To contribute to the global efforts to control malaria by:

1. Providing a mechanism for accelerated development of malaria vaccines in Europe and Developing Countries.
2. Promoting affordability and accessibility of malaria vaccines in Developing Countries.

EMVI shall contribute to the post validation phase of nationally and internationally funded malaria vaccine research and development, and facilitate the process that takes experimental malaria vaccines through to limited GMP production and clinical trials. EMVI will not support antigen discovery studies.

European and Developing country research groups are invited to submit full proposals for the continued development and clinical testing of candidate molecules towards experimental P. falciparum malaria vaccines.

EMVI may support work, which will move potential candidates into the clinical trials phase, including late stage pre-clinical studies in non-human primates, formulation, process development, GMP production, toxicology and clinical trials

Any proposals will be considered, including those addressing the potential for immediate or future combinations of two or more components. (For definition of combination vaccines and reflection on the many challenges facing development of combination vaccines, please refer to EMVI’s web site http://www.emvi.org/meeting+reports.

EMVI’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of independent scientists, - please refer to http://www.emvi.org assisted by other experts as the need arises, will review the proposals.

EMVI actively collaborates with among others the international malaria vaccine funders mentioned on the website www.emvi.org, and is a partner in the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP).

In elaborating a proposal you are advised to address the following key issues systematically.

1) Epidemiology:

• What is known and what information is lacking?
• Are epidemiological studies needed for the development of the vaccine?
• If known, what is (are) the hypothetical or assumed correlate(s) of protection or immunity in target populations?

2) Scientific rationale:

a) Background:

• Target populations: age, geographical zones, special risk groups. Are there genetic (haplotype)differences in populations that do better than others, immunologically and clinically?

b) Antigen choice; stage specific or multistage, pros and cons

• Single or multiple antigens
• Is it known the antigen an essential gene?
• Document genetic variability?
• Any homology with human proteins?
• What is the immune response to this (these) antigen(s) in naturally exposed populations?
• Are certain immune responses correlated to better clinical outcomes?
• What are the theoretical/hypothetical reasons why an immune-response to this (these) tigen(s)would be detrimental to the parasite?
• Are there in-vivo or in-vitro tests to support this?
• Expected performance of the vaccine.
• What would the investigator consider the best proof of concept test that could be designed?

c) Choice of vector/formulation/antigen-presentation/expression system

• Does the investigator know what type of immune-response needs to be induced?
• Has an antigen delivery system that achieves the required response been identified?
• Is this system validated in humans? in animals? as a viable option for wide spread/scale-up and use? Discuss advantages and limitations
• Competing products: Other vaccines, other available products

d) Preclinical development:

• Correlates of protection; development of immunological tests for the assessment of the quality of the immune response; animal models

e) Route of administration:

• Is there any data to support alternative routes of administration of interest for the antigen?

f) Summary of clinical development to date, if any

3) Vaccine production:

• What are the plans for process development/manufacturing?
• Is an adjuvant needed?
• What reagents will have to be developed to control product and its immunogenicity?
• What assays need to be developed or validated prior to initiating clinical trials?
• Quality control studies:
• Animal studies including pharmaco-toxicological studies
• Stability studies
• Potency assay
•  Are the tests already developed? Are there already any product characteristics and product specifications available?

4) Clinical development strategy:

· Describe the intended clinical development strategy, including primary and secondary clinical endpoints, which will result in a clear decision to proceed to development with a well-defined product and with reasonable probability of success.

•  Define the rationale for phase 1 - 2a studies.
•  Are there pivotal studies that would form the basis for GO/NO-GO decisions?
•  Define hypothesis, objectives, main outcome measurement, study design and time-lines.

The proposal-text should not exceed 25 (twenty-five) pages. The operational plans should be explained in work packages. The number of work packages should not exceed 6 (six). Elaboration of ethical aspects and the benefits for target populations is also required.

The proposal does not need to be anonymous, and relevant literature should be referred to in the text and a list of references should be provided as the ultimate page(s) in the Application Form (Click link to download).

Manuscripts submitted, but not yet published, can be attached, and essential research results not yet ready for submission can be submitted together with the proposal in a format, which describes and discusses the results, strictly to substantiate the proposal. Relevant reprints can be annexed.

The penultimate page of the proposal should be a budget outline relating to each work package.

Proposals will be dealt with in confidence. They should be e-mailed to:

Dr. Odile Leroy
Executive Director, EMVI
C/O Statens Serum Institut
Artillerivej 5
DK-2300 Copenhagen S
Denmark
e-mail: oly@ssi.dk with a copy to:

Dr. Babatunde Imoukhuede
Director of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, EMVI
12 Bell House, Ewen Crescent
Tulse Hill
London SW2 2PW
United Kingdom
e-mail: ebi@ssi.dk

and

Professor Nils Strandberg Pedersen
CEO
C/O Statens Serum Institut
Artillerivej 5
DK-2300 Copenhagen S
Denmark
e-mail: nsp@ssi.dk

Additional information is available from Dr. Odile Leroy or Dr Babatunde Imoukhuede.

A decision will be communicated to applicants by mid February 2008.

Call for Applications for the Award of Research Training Grants - 2008
The UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) invites applications for the award of Research Training Grants (RTG) from individuals who are nationals of, and employed in, least developed disease endemic countries (LDC) and developing disease endemic countries (DEC) with lesser developed research capacities. RTGs are awarded, on a competitive basis, for studies leading to a postgraduate degree, or for acquiring specialized skills. Studies must be on one or more of the TDR target diseases - malaria, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, African trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease, leprosy, dengue and tuberculosis, in laboratory, clinical, applied field research and social sciences disciplines, relevant to TDR and/or national priorities.

All applications must be received by 15 November 2007
Further information please go to the website : http://www.who.int/tdr/grants/grants/
and please contact Mr. Steven Wayling (waylings@who.int)

Call for applications for Career Development Fellowships and sabbatical opportunities for knowledge management and translation in infectious diseases of poverty in the framework of the TropIKA.net initiative
All applications must be received by 15 October 2007
Further information please go to the website : http://www.who.int/tdr/grants/grants
and please contact:
Attention Edith Certain
Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases
World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
Telephone: +41-22-791-2061 Fax: +41-22-791-4854
E-mail: tdrstewardship@who.int

Current calls for application EDCTP: www.edctp.org

• Support for Ethics Review Committee
• Malaria in pregnancy
• Malaria treatment
• Networks of Excellence
• TB treatment
• Malaria vaccines
• TB vaccines
• Senior Fellowships
• Call for reviewers