WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant: Up to $55,000 for Climate Impacts on Maternal Health
How do extreme floods and droughts threaten maternal health and increase gender-based violence in vulnerable communities? The WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant offers up to $55,000 for community-based projects in low- and middle-income countries to study these links. This funding helps research teams explore how climate change affects sexual and reproductive health and rights, or SRH. This article covers program details, key benefits, who can apply, focus areas, and steps to submit a strong application. Readers will find clear guidance to pursue this chance and make a real impact.
About the WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant
The World Health Organization, through its Human Reproduction Programme, runs this grant to build evidence on climate change and SRH. Climate events like droughts, floods, and extreme heat harm health in many ways. Teams study how these events hit areas such as maternal health, gender-based violence, access to contraception, and abortion care. The program brings together research teams from different countries for a shared project. Instead of a full study plan, teams submit a research vision that shows their skills and community ties.
Key SRH impact areas include:
- Maternal health during climate shocks
- Gender-based violence in disasters
- Contraception access amid shortages
- Abortion care in hard-hit areas
Key Program Features
Teams join a cross-country effort. They attend a Protocol Development Workshop in Geneva in July 2026. WHO covers travel and stay for up to two members per team. At the workshop, groups co-create one research plan and methods. This builds strong, united studies.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Climate change poses big risks to health worldwide. Yet few studies link it to SRH issues.
Climate change is a major global health challenge, yet its impact on SRH remains under-researched.
This grant fills those gaps. It supports researchers in low- and middle-income countries. Local teams lead the work with community input. This makes studies more useful for policies and real life. Communities shape solutions that fit their needs. The result aids global health and protects those hit hardest by climate shifts.
What Participants Will Gain
Selected teams get strong support for their work. Funding reaches up to $55,000 per project. This covers staff, community talks, data gathering, and sharing results.
Key benefits include:
- Research funding: Up to $55,000 for project costs like personnel and data tools.
- Capacity building: Training and guides to improve study design and analysis.
- International ties: Work with teams from other countries for shared ideas.
- WHO networks: Help with ethics, data plans, and links to local offices.
- Community roles: Involve locals as co-researchers for better results.
- Policy reach: Shape global health rules with strong evidence.
- Skill growth: Build long-term research power through workshops.
These gains help teams grow and tackle urgent problems.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
Research teams from low- and middle-income countries can apply. WHO focuses on priority nations. The lead investigator and main team must live and work there.
| Eligible Organization Types | Key Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Academic and research institutions | Experience in SRH or climate studies; participatory methods; community links | PI based in eligible country |
| Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) | Mixed-methods skills; interdisciplinary work | International partners OK but ≤15% budget |
| Community-based organizations | Strong local partnerships | High-income leads not allowed |
| Multi-institutional consortia | Capacity for team-based research | Encourages global input with limits |
Teams need proven skills in SRH or climate work. They must use community-led methods and handle complex topics. This setup ensures fair, strong projects from those who know the ground best.
Research Focus Areas
Teams pick one of four key questions. All use a human rights view that looks at gender, money status, and migration.
- Maternal health outcomes in the context of climate change: How do events like floods raise risks for pregnancy and birth? Teams study community effects and fixes.
- Gender-based violence during climate-related events: Disasters often spike abuse. Research tracks patterns and protection needs.
- Access to contraception during climate shocks: Heat or storms cut supply lines. Studies check barriers and solutions.
- Access to abortion care in climate-affected settings: Crises limit safe options. Work explores rights and services.
Proposals must blend these with intersectional factors. This means viewing how overlapping issues like poverty worsen climate harms.
Application Process and Deadline
Start by checking fit with focus areas. Gather all papers early.
- Review priorities: Pick one research question and build a vision.
- Prepare documents: Include budget, CVs, and conflict declarations.
- Submit online: Use the official WHO/HRP application platform.
Deadline: 12 April 2026 (23:59 GMT+1)
WHO notifies picks by 11 May 2026. No late or missing parts count. Act fast to join this vital work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the WHO Climate and SRH Research Grant?
Research teams from low- and middle-income countries, including academic institutions, NGOs, and community groups, can apply if they have experience in SRH or climate studies and strong community links.
What funding does the grant provide?
Selected teams receive up to $55,000 to cover staff, data collection, community engagement, and results sharing.
What are the main research focus areas?
Teams choose one area: maternal health outcomes, gender-based violence, access to contraception, or abortion care during climate events like floods and droughts.
When is the application deadline?
Submit your application by April 12, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+1 through the official WHO platform; selections are announced by May 11, 2026.