Dear Colleague,

Grant applications are still being accepted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the following Grand Challenges and Grand Challenges Explorations initiatives – and multi-language translations are now available for each request for proposals. The Grand Challenges family of initiatives fosters innovation to solve key global health and development problems. The application deadline is April 22, 2020.

Accelerating Discovery for Non-Hormonal Contraceptives: Grand Challenges seeks new approaches and concepts for the characterization of contraceptive drug targets, the identification of active contraceptive compounds, and the establishment of novel and impactful research tools with the potential to revolutionize the field of contraceptive R&D and yield substantially improved contraceptives that better meet women’s needs. Please see the announcement blog.

Improving Access to and Use of Safe and Appropriate Cesarean Section: Grand Challenges seeks ideas for interventions to address challenges related to cesarean section: increasing access to cesarean section where it is currently inadequate, increasing quality and safety of cesarean section to reduce iatrogenic harm to both mothers and newborns, and reducing rates of non-medically indicated cesarean section.

Innovations in Materials Science for a Transformative Menstrual Health and Hygiene Product: Grand Challenges Explorations seeks transformative and innovative ideas to support the design and development of a new menstrual health and hygiene product that meets key criteria of being responsive to user needs, focusing on discreetness, affordability, and sustainability.

Innovations for Improving the Impact of Health Campaigns: Grand Challenges Explorations seek innovative solutions that accelerate the improvement of coverage, reach, efficiency and effectiveness of campaign-based delivery of health interventions.

We invite you to read summaries of the grants funded to date across the Grand Challenges family of initiatives and to explore an interactive world map of projects across the global Grand Challenges funding partner network. We look forward to receiving innovative ideas from around the world. If you have a great idea, please apply. If you know someone else who has a great idea, please forward this message so they can apply and sign up for email updates with the latest opportunities.

The Global Partnerships & Grand Challenges Team
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Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives.