Improving modes of delivery, deployment, and uptake of vaccines through phase IV/implementation research
Programme Category
Programme Name
Programme Description
The Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking (GH EDCTP3) builds on the first and second European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership programmes. This new joint undertaking (JU) is a partnership between the EU and the EDCTP Association, whose members are several European and African countries. The partnership will deliver new solutions for reducing the burden of infectious diseases in SSA and strengthen research capacities to prepare and respond to re-emerging infectious diseases in this region and across the world.
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
Proposals submitted under this topic should aim for delivering results that are directed to all the following expected outcomes:
- Public health authorities and health care professionals in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have access to novel logistical and clinical solutions for vaccine delivery and have a better understanding of the behavioural barriers driving vaccine hesitancy, resulting in improved rates of vaccine deployment and uptake, particularly in poor and vulnerable communities.
- People in SSA have improved access, coverage, and trust in vaccines against all preventable infectious diseases within the scope of the Global Health EDCTP. Better tools as well as data on immunisation levels and the individual and public health benefit of immunization will drive vaccination even in hard-to-reach regions, thus helping to contribute towards the WHO Immunization Agenda.
- Health professionals and especially clinicians as well as policy makers have access to comprehensive phase IV/implementation research results, making use of them to ensure widespread translation and adoption of research findings into national and international policy guidelines for better delivery, deployment, and uptake of vaccines in clinical practice in SSA.
Detailed Call Description
The proposed research is expected to deliver on the following:
- Carry out phase IV/implementation research studies on the deployment and uptake of registered vaccines in SSA, examining operational aspects, access, coverage, vaccine acceptability/hesitancy, community engagement, real-life impact on overall health and cost-effectiveness;
- Develop and test novel logistical solutions for vaccination;
- As relevant, develop and test novel clinical solutions for vaccine delivery, including new delivery modes;
- Gain a better understanding of different health care systems in sub-Saharan Africa as regards the factors driving structural inequalities in vaccine deliveries;
- Identify the social, economic, political, religious, cultural, and personal factors driving vaccine hesitancy in SSA and develop targeted solutions, as appropriate. Vaccine hesitancy should be considered in the context of the specificities of different types of vaccines and their perceived risks and benefits. It is further essential to investigate the factors that are undermining coverage in different countries, regions, or communities both in terms of vaccine types and doses received. In many cases, this means targeted collaborations with local leaders who can effectively address their communities’ concerns and with caregivers who bring children to vaccination services. Applicants are also encouraged to develop evidence-based tools that can guide people towards informed vaccination decisions, delivering tailored information based on each user’s concerns.
Applicants need to concisely describe any prior research findings and explain how the proposal builds on these results. Building on relevant results from projects supported under previous EDCTP programmes is encouraged.
The implementation research to be conducted must involve vulnerable groups, including participants from poorer, underserved, or hard-to-reach communities in SSA. Applicants are also encouraged to provide methodologies for translating research findings into public health practice and policy guidelines. They are welcome to draw on any relevant lessons from the COVID-19 vaccination strategies.
International cooperation is encouraged, and the proposed research is expected to be multidisciplinary through the involvement of medical sciences, psychological sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
EU Contribution per project: € 5 000 000
Thematic Categories
- Health
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
Eligibility for Participation
- Central Government
- Large Enterprises
- Local Authorities
- NGOs
- Non Profit Organisations
- Other Beneficiaries
- Private Bodies
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
- State-owned Enterprises
Eligibility For Participation Notes
The proposals should involve all stakeholders, most notably policy makers, public health authorities, health care professionals and end-users. The applicants must ensure strong community engagement.
Participants will be subject to additional exploitation obligations shown in page 28 of the Annex 1 of the Global Health EDCTP3 Work Programme 2023: call topics.
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
EU Contact Point
EDCTP – Europe Office
Postal and visiting address
Anna van Saksenlaan 51
2593 HW The Hague, The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 70 344 0880
EDCTP – Africa Office
Postal address
P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505
Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting address
Francie van Zijl Drive,
Parowvallei 7505
Cape Town, South Africa
Telephone: +27 21 938 0690
Fax: +27 21 938 0569
Contact Form in the website