GACD call for applications: A life course approach to common NCD risk factor prevention and reduction

Governance and Public Policy

Well-being, Health and Biomedical Discovery

Deadlines

Academic Unit: inquire with unit

Memorial Deadline: Monday 28th, March 2022

External Deadline: Thursday 31st, March 2022

Description

This funding opportunity is part of the seventh call for applications of the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD). Established in 2009, the GACD is an alliance of 12 of the largest public funders of health research from around the world. The mission of the GACD is to reduce the burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and populations facing conditions of vulnerability in high-income countries (HICs), by building evidence to inform national and international NCD policies.

Chronic NCDs, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, certain cancers, and mental health disorders, are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both LMICs and HICs¹. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought NCDs further into the spotlight, as the majority of those who have experienced severe illness and death have had one or more underlying NCD². Reducing the burden of NCDs is therefore critical to building more resilient, equitable, and healthier societies.

The World Health Organization acknowledges the importance of adopting a life course approach as a conceptual framework when exploring the physical and social hazards that may impact health³–⁵. A life course approach to NCDs may minimize the impact of exposure to known risk factors in early life through early adulthood and increase the likelihood of good health later in life, and potentially into the next generation.

A number of behavioural change interventions, as well as those that increase the health-promoting potential of environments, are effective in reducing, delaying, or preventing the risk of NCD onset or disease progression. However, research is lacking in how to integrate such interventions into communities and health systems, and/or how to target these interventions to specific life stages, especially in LMICs and other disadvantaged populations.

As outlined in this seventh GACD call, the research to be undertaken will focus on the implementation of one or more evidence-based interventions in preventing or reducing exposure to one or more common NCD risk factors. Proposals must clearly explain the intervention and its components. Applicants must also describe the evidence that demonstrates the intervention is effective and articulate the expected outcomes. Ideally evidence of the intervention’s real world efficacy⁶ will be supported by a well-conducted systematic review where available. All proposals must include implementation research outcomes⁷.

In order to promote health equity, studies should aim to address differences in intervention access, uptake, and effectiveness in socially disadvantaged groups and develop strategies for reducing inequities. Guidance for study design and conducting sex/gender-responsive and intersectional research can be found under Further Information and Resources on the GACD call webpage..

For complete information on the challenge to be addressed, scope and expected impact of the research, please refer to the GACD call.

Funding Sources

Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)