The World Health Organization, through its Special Programme of Research in Human Reproduction (HRP), has issued a call for research proposals exploring community experiences in adapting to climate change in relation to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The programme is supported by partners including UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, and the World Bank. The submission deadline is 12 April 2026, and proposals may be submitted in English, French, or Spanish via the designated online platform. Background and Rationale Climate change is widely recognised as a major global health threat, with significant implications for SRHR outcomes. Evidence shows that extreme weather events—such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts—affect maternal health, disrupt access to contraception and abortion services, and increase the risk of gender-based violence. Despite growing awareness, substantial research gaps remain, particularly in understanding how intersecting vulnerabilities—such as gender, poverty, disability, and migration status—shape these outcomes. Existing national adaptation frameworks often include SRHR components but fail to address them comprehensively. This gap highlights the need for community-driven, participatory research approaches that centre lived experiences and local knowledge in shaping effective responses. Research Focus and Priority Areas This call prioritises four key SRHR outcome areas, requiring applicants to select one focus area and justify its relevance within their local context: Maternal HealthExamines how climate events affect maternal and perinatal outcomes, including access to quality maternity care. Gender-Based ViolenceInvestigates the relationship between climate shocks and the incidence and response to violence, including prevention strategies. ContraceptionExplores disruptions in access to contraceptive services and supply chains during climate-related events. Abortion CareAnalyses barriers to accessing safe abortion services and continuity of care during environmental crises. Each proposal must demonstrate a clear alignment with one of these priority questions and articulate its contribution to addressing local evidence gaps. Objectives of the Call The initiative aims to: Generate community-centred evidence on climate change impacts on SRHR Promote participatory research approaches, positioning communities as co-researchers Strengthen research capacity in low- and middle-income countries Inform policy development, particularly National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Health NAPs Methodological Approach Selected proposals are expected to demonstrate a strong research vision rather than a finalised protocol. Key methodological expectations include: Participatory Research Active involvement of affected communities throughout the research cycle Use of approaches such as: Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Participatory Action Research (PAR) Photovoice and co-design methods Clear governance structures addressing power dynamics and ethical considerations Mixed-Methods Design Integration of qualitative participatory approaches with at least one quantitative component Use of designs such as: Convergent Explanatory sequential Exploratory sequential Human Rights and Intersectionality Application of a human rights framework Analysis of overlapping vulnerabilities, including: Gender Age Socioeconomic status Disability and migration status Eligibility and Team Composition The call is open to institutions in low- and middle-income countries, including: Community and civil society organisations Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) Academic and research institutions Multi-institutional consortia Eligible teams should: Demonstrate experience in SRHR or climate-related research Have expertise in participatory and mixed-methods approaches Include at least one researcher skilled in qualitative research Teams are encouraged to include: Early-career researchers Women in leadership roles Interdisciplinary expertise beyond health sciences Funding and Support Each selected team will receive up to USD 55,000 to implement the research. Budget allocations may include: Personnel and community researcher stipends Data collection and analysis resources Participant support (e.g., transport, childcare) Local travel and dissemination activities Institutional overheads (up to 13%) Additional support provided includes: Training and capacity-building resources Access to data analysis software Technical guidance and WHO country office support Participation in cross-country collaboration Protocol Development Workshop A key component of the initiative is a collaborative workshop hosted in Geneva in July 2026. During this workshop: Selected teams will co-develop a shared cross-country research protocol مشتركة methodologies, tools, and analysis plans will be defined Country-specific adaptations will be incorporated Travel and accommodation for up to two team members per project will be covered. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be assessed based on: Research quality and relevance (35 points) Community engagement and participation (25 points) Team capacity and feasibility (20 points) Human rights and intersectionality integration (20 points) Up to six research teams will be selected, with an emphasis on geographic diversity across global regions. Timeline Overview Key milestones include: Proposal submission deadline: 12 April 2026 Selection announcement: 11 May 2026 Workshop: July 2026 Data collection: December 2026 – May 2027 Dissemination: September – December 2027 Application Process Applicants must submit: Completed online application form Detailed budget CVs of key team members Conflict of interest declarations Late submissions will not be accepted, and all applicants will receive notification of outcomes. Conclusion This call represents a significant opportunity to advance evidence on the intersection of climate change and SRHR through inclusive, community-led research. By prioritising participatory methods and intersectional analysis, the initiative seeks to generate actionable insights that can inform policy and strengthen health systems in vulnerable settings. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the funding. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.