The Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center (NTD-SC) at The Task Force for Global Health is currently soliciting proposals for operational research aimed at improving access to morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP).

The NTD-SC and its partners are committed to promoting collaborations between country programmes and local and international researchers, which will lead to endemic-country capacity building and provide value for money through efficient use of resources.

With this call, the NTD-SC seeks proposals for operational research nested in national programmes targeting lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, trachoma, and leprosy. Projects will be funded with UK aid from the British government via its support for the Coalition for Operational Research on NTDs (COR-NTD), for which the NTD-SC serves as Secretariat.

Objectives

Projects should be aligned with the targets of the World Health Organization (WHO) and address key barriers to the elimination of

• lymphatic filariasis and trachoma by 2020,
• zero leprosy by 2020,
• the elimination of onchocerciasis by 2025,
• or the sustained control of schistosomiasis by 2020,

as well as focus on alleviating the suffering of affected populations.

Eligibility and Funding

Applications will be judged on their potential impact. There is no formal ceiling on the value of each award; however, submitted proposals must represent value for money. Furthermore, preference will be given to country-led projects.

For further information please see the NTD-SC website.